The Dairy Alliance, Virginia State Dairymen's Association, and Farm Credit of the Virginias have announced a combined $155,000 expansion of the Milk Dispenser Grant Program for K-12 schools across Virginia. The funding, scheduled for distribution in early 2026, aims to help schools transition from single-use milk cartons to bulk dispensers, addressing both nutritional and environmental goals.
The initiative includes a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation, a $30,000 contribution from the Virginia State Dairymen's Association for schools statewide, and a $10,000 sponsorship from Farm Credit of the Virginias dedicated to schools in Southwest Virginia. The grants cover milk dispenser equipment and installation kits, removing a significant financial barrier for school nutrition programs.
Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, stated that the program makes real dairy milk more accessible for students, helping them build healthier habits. The Dairy Alliance's Youth Wellness team provides implementation support and promotes the nutritional benefits of milk. According to program data, nearly three-quarters of children ages two through eighteen do not meet recommended daily dairy intake levels.
Eric Paulson, executive director of the Virginia State Dairymen's Association, emphasized that the partnership helps schools serve milk in ways that connect with students while supporting local dairy farmers. The Virginia State Dairymen's Association will administer the grants in collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, directing resources toward equipment, training, and technical support for school nutrition teams.
Milk dispenser programs have demonstrated measurable results in early-adopting schools. One Virginia school reported a nearly 90 percent reduction in milk packaging waste alongside a more than 50 percent increase in milk consumption. Schools participating in similar grant programs consistently report average milk consumption increases of at least 14 percent.
The expansion will allow the program to reach additional Virginia cities and counties beginning in early 2026. Ongoing data collection will track environmental impact, milk usage, and student engagement throughout the grant period. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
This collaborative effort represents a significant investment in student nutrition and sustainability. By modernizing milk service in schools, the program addresses critical public health concerns regarding dairy consumption while helping schools reduce cafeteria waste. The involvement of agricultural organizations like the Virginia State Dairymen's Association and Farm Credit of the Virginias underscores the program's connection to supporting local dairy farmers and strengthening Virginia's agricultural economy.
The Van der Lely Foundation's substantial contribution aligns with its mission to support sustainability initiatives. More information about the foundation is available at https://vanderlelyfoundation.com. As schools plan for the 2026 academic year, this expanded grant program provides resources to enhance nutrition programs while contributing to broader environmental sustainability goals within educational institutions.
