As our future advocates, consumers and champions, it’s important to make dairy a part of the daily lives for students. Our Youth in Schools program works to build trust in farming and a love of dairy in K-12 kids.
With our programs, students and teachers get closer to dairy farming through the program’s key areas:
Fuel Up to Play 60: The nation’s leading in-school health and wellness program focused on eating healthy foods, including dairy, and being active.
Dairy in schools: Growing sales and protecting dairy’s place in school meals with new and innovative programs.
Dairy education and experience: Developing a positive perception with students about dairy farming and where their food comes from.
In light of the current situation, we have the opportunity to reach students virtually and we’re ready for it! We’re offering virtual dairy farm tours and partnering with online educational resources to make sure dairy stays top of mind. And, we continue working with schools and partners to ensure kids receive nutritious meals including milk.
These kids will be in the grocery store someday. We must reach them now to develop their trust in farming and love of dairy foods to create future dairy champions and advocates.
4 Ways to Elevate Dairy in Your School Districts
There are many ways to get involved in your local community and be an advocate for dairy at the grassroots level. Take the opportunity to share with your area school district.
Discover Dairy’s Adopt a Cow Program
This free, year-long virtual experience encourages students to care for a calf and interact with a dairy farmer. Wisconsin dairy farmers will provide regular updates to students who will learn about the cow and her life cycle—including photos, stories and information about the calf. Deadline: October 15
Fuel Up to Play 60
Fuel Up to Play 60 is still going strong with nearly 1,000 schools across Wisconsin engaged in the program that promotes school wellness and empowers student leaders to advocate for dairy. Check back often for new information and updates.You can also check out National Fuel Up to Play 60 for more information about the program.
Education Resources
Is Your School Going virtual? In Person? A Hybrid? Dairy checkoff is supplying educational resources for all grade levels. Check out curriculum including materials and videos to share with your school administration.
Equipment Grants
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is excited to announce an equipment grant opportunity to help schools to feed students so they are nourished and ready to learn this school year. Deadline: September 11, 2020
Source: Connie Seefeldt, Proud Wisconsin Dairy Farmer, DFW Board Member representing District 2 – Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marinette, Oconto and Vilas Counties, National Dairy Promotion and Research Board Vice Chair