Elementary students celebrate on World School Milk Day

2017 heralds a major milk milestone, as milk in Ontario schools celebrates 30 years!

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Today marks World School Milk Day, an annual event that shines a light on the health benefits of School Milk Programs all around the world. This year, Ontario also commemorates the 30^th anniversary of the Elementary School Milk Program. Since its inception in 1986, the Elementary School Milk Program has been committed to providing Ontario's elementary students with fresh, nutritious, cold milk daily so they can stay healthy, alert and ready to learn.

In celebration of World School Milk Day and the success of supporting programs, schools in Ontario and across the globe will host a fun-filled day of activities; including contests, sporting events, costumes and other engaging ways of learning about the importance of drinking milk as part of a balanced diet. Since its launch in 2000, World School Milk Day has grown to become an event that is celebrated in over 40 different countries around the world.

To inspire healthy living and encourage schools, parents and children to get involved, Dairy Farmers of Canada has partnered with top athlete Natalie Spooner, Olympic, Clarkson Cup and World Champion Hockey Player. "Consuming a healthy, well balanced diet was necessary for me at a very early age and allowed me to train effectively in sports and remain focused on school," says Spooner. "I'm grateful that Ontario has kept this program for this long and that students can continue to reap the many benefits of milk while at school. Not only does it enable children to get an extra serving, but it also carries on a cherished tradition for Ontarians while teaching kids about the importance of a balanced diet."

According to a Canadian survey, one third of Canadian children aged 4 to 9 are not consuming their minimum daily recommended servings of milk products. Participation in the Elementary School Milk Program, helps children get the nourishment they require while helping to establish healthier drinking habits out of home. "School Milk Programs allow students to benefit from the 16 essential nutrients found in milk, including calcium for healthy teeth and niacin for growth and development. It also contains protein and carbohydrates that provide energy to keep kids going and perform their best," says Caroline Emond, Executive Director, Dairy Famers of Canada.

Typically, up to 70% of the elementary schools in Ontario are registered in the program each year, which is run by thousands of volunteers made up of students, school administrators, parents and with the help of people in the dairy industry. Once a school is registered, milk is ordered and delivered right to schools through their selected dairy/distributor.

For more information on participating in the Elementary School Milk Program, as well as heathy eating tips, visit www.milkinschool.ca

About Dairy Farmers of Canada

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interest of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.

SOURCE Dairy Farmers of Canada

DDB Public Relations, Nadia Popatia, 416-963-4508, [email protected]; DDB Public Relations, PM Rendon, 416-972-7784, [email protected]