Now, before we dive into yet another crazy story about my hometown, let's just take a look at the statistics of milk concerning health. Why is it that dairy milk is the preference in so many areas, especially in places where agriculture is such an important part of the economy?
In a 8-ounce glass of milk there are...
- 8 grams of protein
- 103 calories
- 2.4 grams of fat
- 366 milligrams of potassium
- 12 grams of carbohydrates
One serving of dairy milk (8 ounces) also meets the daily values for the following nutrients
- Calcium
- helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth
- Riboflavin
- supports body growth, red blood cell production and metabolism
- Phosphorus
- strengthens bones
- Vitamin D
- helps promote the absorption of calcium
- Pantothenic Acid
- helps convert food into energy
- Potassium
- regulates fluid balance and helps maintain normal blood pressure
- Vitamin A
- promotes good vision and healthy skin
- Niacin
- promotes proper circulation
Now these are the facts behind dairy milk. Yet, dairy milk still often receives a backlash. Weird with all the benefits it gives to us, right?
In my hometown, we were fortunate enough to get our milk machine back and running in my high school in Colby, Wisconsin. This was a great asset for the school and the Colby FFA, as they received all proceeds and were the ones running the milk machine. The FFA was able to sell 16oz bottles of Keifer (which is similar to a smoothie or yogurt), 12oz bottles of 2% chocolate milk, 12oz bottles of 1% chocolate milk, and 12oz bottles of 2% white milk. We also sold 12oz bottles of orange juice in the machine. This was a great alternative for students who wanted something other than flavored water and soda. It was also a huge success during sporting events as chocolate milk is much better after a hard workout than powerade and gatorade.
However, recently it has come to my attention that the FFA is now being restricted in the size and kinds of milk they can have in the machine. Because of these restrictions, the FFA is no longer able to sell Keifer, as it is 4oz too large of a serving size nor are they able to sell 2% chocolate milk, as chocolate milk has to be low fat, meaning 1% or lower. The Colby FFA was also required to make all of the bottles they are selling 8oz bottles as that is the serving size for milk.
Coming from an agriculture background, this is honestly an outrage. Milk is a healthy option for students and can often provide them with healthy energy that they need to get through the day. Not only are the serving sizes limited, but costs have gone up for the FFA to attain the 8oz bottles as compared to 12oz.
If we can have soda machines with 12oz bottles, why are we restricting the serving size of milk?
We have the market opportunities in the school district. There's a demand to have the product in the school. I can remember seeing the middle school students walking up to the high school just to buy milk. Students enjoy the milk and so do the teachers. At some points during the school day, there have been lines behind the machine just to get some milk. During sporting events, such as basketball and volleyball games, the FFA almost always sold out by the end of the night. You can clearly see the demand for this and yet we are still trying to regulate it.
Not only that, but the Keifer we used to be able to sell was local, meaning we were helping out our local farmers while providing the students with healthy options to fulfill their needs throughout the school day.
In schools, we work to market a healthy living style for students. We have constantly had this theme drilled into our heads. Why then, when we finally are giving students the option for this, are we being forced to take that healthy option away, leaving the students in a demand?
Whole milk plays a vital role in ensuring children are able to grow, develop and e attentive during the day, however currently whole milk is prohibited for children over the age of two in public schools and daycare centers because of the Federal Dietary Guidelines. As a person who grew up drinking whole milk and 2% milk, it doesn't even sound appetizing to have to drink 1% milk.
Our market is there. The demand is high. And yet we are still being restricted. Help us put this restriction to an end. Local schools in central Wisconsin are working to make this happen.
So join the fight and help the cause. Let's keep dairy in our schools.
#wewantmilk #widairyproud
For more information on what locals are trying to do, have a read at the link below...
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