Every year, World School Milk Day is celebrated all over the world on the last Wednesday of September to raise awareness on the benefits and success of school milk programmes. In addition to providing milk and/or dairy products, school milk programmes include food education. It helps to foster a better understanding of dairy products, including where they come from, how dairy products are made, their nutritional composition, and how they fit into the overall diet.
“Globally, School Milk programmes play a key role in ensuring that young children have access to nutritious foods. This is vital given the role nutrition plays in long-term growth and development,” said IDF President, Dr Judith Bryans.
IDF members around the world participate in these celebrations through different activities such as a milk lunch party, school activities, media activities or a visit to a dairy farm.
“This celebration of School Milk programmes demonstrates the importance of milk and dairy foods which are essential in a healthy and balanced diet, particularly for young children,” said IDF Director General Caroline Emond.
In 2013, the FAO and IDF published a report on: The contribution of school milk programmes to the nutrition of children worldwide. See https://store.fil-idf.org/product/the-contribution-of-school-milk-programmes-to-the-nutrition-of-children-worldwide/
World School Milk Day was initiated by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in September 2000.
To view the IDF World School Milk video and South Africa’s School Milk Programme with IDF Action Team leader, Maretha Vermaak, and the promotional activities of members, see https://www.fil-idf.org/world-school-milk-day-2018/
