The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farmers in Southeast, and the Virginia State Dairymen's Association (VSDA) have joined forces to offer equipment grant funding for school nutrition programs. The initiative assists schools with the transition to serve bulk milk sourced directly from local dairy farms, promoting both nutritional benefits and support for the local agricultural community.

The Dairy Alliance and VSDA funded and facilitated the acquisition of three-spout milk dispensers and essential accessories for selected schools. The Virginia Cattleman’s Association also provided funding to equip schools with additional accessories for program success. The partnership has proven to be a resounding success in the 2022-2023 school year.

“The adaptability of bulk milk processors turned challenges into triumphs. At The Dairy Alliance, it’s one of our missions to connect our local dairy farmers with consumers, so it was a win-win proposition,” said Geri Berdak, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. “By enriching and granting schools these sustainable avenues, we can educate and bring to life the appreciation of dairy as an essential ingredient to life.” 

The partnership began in 2021 when The Dairy Alliance and VSDA awarded three schools in Bedford County with equipment grants to implement bulk milk dispensers. The success of these pilot schools led to the school nutrition director in Bedford County developing a plan to transition all the schools in her district to milk dispensers. By 2023, all nineteen schools in the county successfully transitioned to bulk milk dispensers impacting over 9,000 students and leading to a 24% increase in fluid milk ounces consumed by students daily. 

“Introducing milk dispensers has truly revolutionized the way students experience their daily servings of milk,” said Mekenzie Panhans, assistant director, Sustainability and Industry Communications at The Dairy Alliance. “In addition, school systems have reported that by switching from cartons to bulk milk dispensers they have reduced milk packaging waste by 91% and reduced milk waste by 60%. With the recent nationwide cardboard shortages impacting carton milk, bulk milk dispensers are a great option for schools to continue to serve fresh local milk to their students.”

Photo courtesy of The Dairy Alliance.