Episode 62 — The latest on school milk programs

Cindy Cooper, assistant director of Health and Wellness for Atlanta-based The Dairy Alliance, joins Dairy Foods for Episode 62 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast.

Let's Talk Dairy graphic with a boom microphone and colorful blurred background. — BNP Media

Image courtesy of Cindy Cooper

Cindy Cooper, assistant director of Health and Wellness for Atlanta-based The Dairy Alliance, joins Dairy Foods for Episode 62 of the “Let’s Talk Dairy” podcast.

Cooper brings more than 28 years of experience in school nutrition and leadership. She holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology/Chemistry and Food and Dietetics from Tennessee Technological University, along with a Master’s Degree in professional leadership.

Her career includes serving as a School Nutrition Program Director and holding multiple roles at the Tennessee Department of Education, including consultant, training coordinator, and external branch director, where she led statewide initiatives supporting compliance, training and operational improvement.

At The Dairy Alliance, Cooper has been instrumental in advancing the Milk Dispenser Initiative throughout the Southeast, helping schools elevate the school milk experience and increase student milk consumption while also reducing waste and strengthening engagement.

She has also been a dedicated leader in the Tennessee School Nutrition Association (TSNA), serving as State President and launching the TSNA Culinary Academy to elevate culinary skills across the state.

During this podcast, Cooper discusses the following:

How serving milk through dispensers support the overall nutritional goals for students and what key nutrients in milk are especially important for growing children and teens.

Benefits she has seen for students since introducing milk dispensers and how milk dispensers improve the overall student meal experience.

Changes in students’ willingness to drink milk when it is offered in a dispenser instead of cartons and how milk dispensers support efforts to promote healthier beverage habits in schools,
How offering milk via dispensers helps schools meet USDA nutrition requirements and what varieties of milk are offered to ensure compliance with school meal programs and nutritional guidelines.
The biggest takeaways for dairy processors regarding school nutrition programs

Listen to the full podcast below:

Listen to more podcasts here.

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Brian Berk has been a writer and editor for 25 years. He has served as editor-in-chief of the Music & Sound Retailer and managing editor of Convenience Store News, both the top-circulated magazines in their respective fields. Berk has also held editing and writing roles in drug store retail, photography, and natural health products. Holding a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree from Quinnipiac University, Berk lives in Port Washington, N.Y., with his wife and two children.