The dairy checkoff introduced “Smart Swaps,” a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations. 

The farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC) created Smart Swaps for school nutrition professionals to include dairy on breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy.

"We have reimagined what’s possible with delicious, dairy-centric menu items,” said Alyson Kirchner, senior vice president of youth and schools for Dairy Management Inc. “These menu options are aligned with the new added sugar and sodium guidelines while ensuring students receive the nutrient-rich foods they love and need.”

School meal nutrition standards limit the amount of added sugar from foods such as cereal, yogurt and flavored milk. Additionally, there are upcoming nutrition requirements that will limit added sugars and sodium across all meals served weekly.

 Student preferences were included in the development of Smart Swaps recipes with 2,500 students nationwide testing 10 menu offerings. The recipes include Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl and Broccoli, Egg, and Cheese Pizza, among others.

 Nutritional analysis also was conducted to ensure the recipes align with USDA nutrition standards.

 “With the changes coming to school meal standards, there is a real opportunity for dairy,” said Katie Bambacht, vice president of nutrition affairs for NDC. “Schools will need to adjust their menus in coming years to meet the changing standards. Our Smart Swaps menus make it easy with compliant breakfast menu offerings, menu efficiency ideas and tips on milk storage.”

 State and regional checkoff teams are making Smart Swaps resources available to school foodservice professionals across the country.