The benefits of milk in school are in the spotlight on Wednesday 25th September as we celebrate World School Milk Day.
Around 60% of our primary schools here in Northern Ireland provide breaktime milk to pupils through the School Milk scheme – one of the highest uptakes in Europe. And it’s a great choice for children with plenty of nutritional and other benefits.
Speaking about the importance of World School Milk Day, Dr Mike Johnston MBE, Chief Executive of DCNI said
“Drinking milk at breaktime can help beat thirst and keep pupils hydrated as well as providing important nutrients including calcium, protein, iodine, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B12 and B2 so it is excellent that a day in the year is set aside to remind people of this.
Of course, the Dairy Council’s work in relation to encouraging good nutrition extends well beyond World School Milk Day, indeed, our new Food and Fitness placement students will again be visiting primary schools across NI to tell pupils about the benefits of activity and a healthy, balanced diet, including the important role of milk and dairy foods.”
You can find out more about the benefits of school milk and download our ‘Milk and More’ booklet about eating well during the school day here.
Click for information on our Food and Fitness programme for Key Stage 2 children in NI primary schools.