The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is excited to celebrate World School Milk Day on 25 September 2024, continuing its mission to ensure that every child has access to nutritious foods. As part of this global event, IDF is shining a light on the critical role that milk and milk products play in supporting the health and development of children and adolescents through school milk and feeding programmes.

Milk: A Nutritional Powerhouse for Developing Minds and Bodies
Every child deserves a fair chance to achieve optimal health, and access to nutrient-dense foods is key to this goal. Milk and milk products provide a unique package of essential nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamins that are vital for the physical and cognitive development of young children. School milk programmes offer an effective way to deliver these nutrients to children, helping lay the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.

“Milk and milk products are more than just food—they are a foundation upon which children and adolescents can thrive, both physically and mentally,” says Mrs. Laurance Rycken, Director-General of IDF..

The Global Impact of School Milk Programmes
School feeding programmes reach an astonishing 418 million children globally, playing a crucial role in addressing hunger and malnutrition. Since 1993, IDF has championed the development and enhancement of School Milk Programmes, recognising their importance in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Not only do these programmes combat hunger, but they also improve educational outcomes and support overall child development.

The newly released IDF Bulletin State of Milk and Milk Products in School Programmes provides the findings from the IDF Survey launched in 2023 on milk and milk products in schools. It offers new insights into the design, distribution, management, funding and resilience of school milk programmes and school feeding programmes that include milk and milk products. These programmes have proven resilient, even in the face of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Survey was distributed through organizations worldwide, including IDF country members and Tetra Pak representatives and contacts. Results from the IDF Survey represent observations from 47 countries.

Considering the results of the 2023 IDF Survey and other sources, over 210 million children in 104 countries benefit from milk and milk products as part of school milk and school feeding programmes.

The survey findings outlined in the Bulletin underscore the importance of sustained investment in these programmes to safeguard the health and future of children across the globe. Read the full publication here

IDF School Milk Knowledge Hub: A Resource for Global Impact
For those seeking further information on the implementation and benefits of school milk programmes, the IDF School Milk Knowledge Hub provides an invaluable resource. Available at IDF School Milk Knowledge Hub, this platform offers access to the latest research, case studies, and best practices for developing and enhancing school milk initiatives worldwide. It serves as a one-stop resource for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to support the success and scalability of these vital nutrition programmes.