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Supporting students for learning with nutritious meals is key to enhancing their experience at school! It’s not just about optimizing health, development, and academic performance – it’s about creating lasting connections with their school, peers, and community [1]. When it comes to nourishing BC students, dairy products are nutritious, widely available, local, and convenient foods for Canadians to choose.  In fact, children who drink milk at school are more likely to meet their nutrient needs [2].   

BC’s dairy farmers are dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of BC’s school-age children through sustainable farming practices, local partnerships, and engaging nutrition education programs. Discover the fascinating world of dairy farming in BC and how milk and dairy products play a crucial role in the growth and development of children and in the communities in which they live, work, and play.  

Support the growth and development of children.

Kids who enjoy milk at school are more likely to meet their nutrient needs! Serving milk and dairy products is a fantastic way to help nourish students.

Three kids having a snack at school on the playground

Dairy products as a part of your school feeding program.

Canadian research shows that school food programs have multiple positive impacts including improved cognitive function, increased attendance, enhanced mental health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases, and better health [3].

In 2023-2024 the BC government announced its Feeding Futures program which invests in building and expanding local school food programs [4].  

Milk in BC is local.

Embracing B.C. food for your school food program not only introduces students to high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced meals but also plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth, resilience, and sustainability of B.C.’s communities and food system.

Most dairy farms in BC are family-owned operations. When it comes to local food, milk stands out!

Dairy farmer in field with cows

Supporting food literacy in school.

Students can benefit from opportunities to enhance their comfort and skills with food in a school environment that offers valuable learning experience. By incorporating nutrition education alongside in-school feeding programs, educators can help empower students to build a healthy relationship with food. 

In collaboration with BC’s dairy farmers, our team of registered dietitians has been developing complimentary nutrition education resources to support BC educators since the 1970s. 

Interested in serving dairy products at your school?

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REFERENCE:
  1. Critch, J. N. (2020). School nutrition: Support for providing healthy food and beverage choices in schools. Pediatrics & Child Health, 33–38. https://doi.org/10.1093
  2. Tugault-Lafleur, C. N., Black, J. L., & Barr, S. I. (2017). Examining school day dietary intake among Canadian children. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 42, 1064–1072.
  3. Government of British Columbia. (2024). Food and meal programs. Retrieved from HTTPS://WWW2.GOV.BC.CA/GOV/CONTENT/EDUCATION-TRAINING/K-12/ADMINISTRATION/PROGRAM-MANAGEMENT/SAFE-CARING-AND-ORDERLY-SCHOOLS/FOOD-AND-MEAL-PROGRAMS
  4. Government of British Columbia. (2023). Creating Healthy School Environments: Province Increases Funding for School Meal Programs. Retrieved from HTTPS://NEWS.GOV.BC.CA/RELEASES/2023ECC0020-000424
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