Thanks to the support of California’s dairy farmers, processors and families, Dairy Council of California will continue to carry out its cause — elevating the health of children and families through the pursuit of lifelong healthy eating habits — until at least 2023.

Dairy Council of California said the announcement was made by the California Department of Food and Agriculture following a hearing in which more than 50 letters were received from California dairy farmers and processers, health and wellness professionals, educators and nutrition leaders expressing support for the council’s nutrition education, community health and food access programs. Additionally, Kim Frinzell, director of nutrition services at the California Department of Education, and others gave oral testimonies urging the continuation of the council.

“As we near Dairy Council of California’s 100-year anniversary, I’m proud of the support received at the continuation hearing from individuals who come from many different backgrounds, but all share a passion that aligns with our cause of elevating the health of children and families through lifelong healthy eating habits,” said Tammy Anderson-Wise, CEO of Dairy Council of California. “In the coming years, we look forward to reaching more kids, parents and families with science-based nutrition education programs and advocating for milk and dairy products as a vital component of healthy eating patterns.”

To make a bigger impact on community health, Dairy Council of California said it partners with public health leaders such as educators, health providers and nurses to support food access programs, train school foodservice providers on Smarter Lunchrooms Movement tactics and conduct nutrition science research. These programs build on the council’s free, comprehensive nutrition education programs, which reach more than 4 million schoolchildren, families and adults every year. 

“I’ve been a supporter and user of Dairy Council of California’s nutrition education curriculum continuously since my first teaching job 40 years ago until now,” said Alice Vestergaard of Samuel Merritt University, a certified health education specialist with a doctorate in health care education who oversees community/public health courses for aspiring nurses.

Pursuant to Section 64001 et seq. of Chapter 1, Part 2 of Division 22 of the State Food and Agriculture Code, Dairy Council of California will continue to operate on behalf of California’s dairy farmers and milk processors through 2023.