Tennessee Schools Deploy First Portable Milk Dispensers to Boost Student Nutrition

The Dairy Alliance has partnered with Kingsport City School District in Sullivan County, Tennessee, to introduce the first portable milk dispenser system in the United States designed specifically for K-12 schools. The Udderly Cold Portable Milk Dispenser represents a significant innovation in school nutrition programs, funded through an Endowment Grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.

The portable system maintains milk at a consistent 35 degrees Fahrenheit, which significantly enhances flavor quality and encourages higher consumption among students. With capacity to hold up to 25 gallons of bulk milk bags, the smart design allows multiple bags to be connected for triple capacity, dispensing up to 400 perfectly portioned 8-ounce servings before product rotation becomes necessary. This innovation allows students to pour their desired amount while enjoying ice-cold real milk from cups rather than traditional cartons.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony at John Sevier Middle School, local leaders emphasized the dual benefits for both students and dairy farmers. Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M., Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture and a tenth-generation dairy farmer, stated that milk dispensers in schools represent a victory for all stakeholders. The systems maintain milk freshness and quality while reducing waste, ensuring schools can serve optimal milk to students daily. Farmers take particular pride in knowing their milk reaches students directly at its highest quality.

Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, highlighted the program's significance in supporting student health and sustainable nutrition practices. By delivering dairy milk through innovative methods, schools can more effectively incorporate nutritious dairy into daily meals and help students develop lifelong healthy habits. This initiative demonstrates how collaboration between schools, local leaders, and dairy farmers can create meaningful improvements in student wellness.

Jennifer Walker, Registered Dietitian and Kingsport City School Nutrition Director, emphasized the critical nutritional importance of milk consumption, particularly for adolescent health. Milk serves as the primary source of calcium in children's and teenagers' diets, with special significance for teenage girls during crucial bone development years. The new dispensers were strategically placed in schools to encourage all students to consume milk with their reimbursable meals, ensuring access to essential nutrition for every child.

Dr. R. Andrew True, Assistant Superintendent of Administration for Kingsport City School District, expressed gratitude to The Dairy Alliance and Udderly Cold for bringing this innovative milk delivery system to their schools. The technology directly impacts student health and wellbeing in positive and meaningful ways, representing the type of innovation that creates tangible benefits for educational communities.

The program's impact extends beyond Kingsport, with Hardin County Schools in Savannah, Tennessee, implementing a similar Udderly Cold milk dispenser at Northside Elementary School. This expansion demonstrates the growing adoption of innovative approaches to maximize milk access and consumption for students across the state. The Dairy Alliance continues to enhance access to healthy beverages, encourage balanced nutrition, and support overall wellness through programs that make measurable differences in school communities. For additional information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.