Dairy Council of California Releases New Report on Equitable and Sustainable School Nutrition Strategies

• The Dairy Council of California released Well-Nourished, Brighter Futures: Dairy Dialogue which outlines collaborative approaches to school meals and student health
• The report reflects input from educators, public health experts, dairy industry professionals, and youth
• Key themes include nutrition education, cultural inclusivity, sustainability, and cross-sector partnerships
• The initiative aligns with Dairy Month and aims to support healthier school communities in California

Dairy Council of California Shares Insights in New School Nutrition Report

To mark June as Dairy Month, the Dairy Council of California has released a report titled Well-Nourished, Brighter Futures: Dairy Dialogue. The report highlights shared insights from a range of stakeholders—including nutrition professionals, educators, students, public health advocates, and dairy industry leaders—who participated in an event aimed at rethinking school nutrition systems.

According to the organization, the report is part of a broader initiative to explore how school meals can better serve students through strategies that prioritize equity, nutrition security, sustainability, and educational outcomes.

Topics Addressed in the Dairy Dialogue Report

The report focuses on four primary areas:

• Nutrition Education: Emphasizing experiential, evidence-based learning that connects students with food origins, including the farm-to-school journey.
• Dairy Inclusion: Recommending culturally appropriate and nutrient-dense dairy options that reflect student backgrounds and preferences.
• Sustainability Practices: Exploring methods to reduce food waste and enhance access to locally sourced dairy as part of environmental goals.
• Community and Sector Collaboration: Encouraging stronger partnerships among schools, families, agriculture, and public health to create more integrated and responsive food systems.

The findings reflect the outcomes of the Dairy Dialogue event, which included interviews, surveys, and an advisory committee comprised of school nutrition and dairy stakeholders. Rather than prescribing specific policies, the report identifies emerging strategies that may inform future actions by educational institutions and public health leaders.

Emphasis on Partnership and Practical Experience

Amy DeLisio, MPH, RDN, CEO of Dairy Council of California, commented on the report’s collaborative framework: “Creating meaningful change in school nutrition takes insight from every corner—schools, communities, and agriculture. This report brings those perspectives together and charts a path for shared action and progress.”

She added that dairy continues to play a role in advancing both nutrition security and academic success, and that sustainable change requires ongoing cooperation across multiple sectors.

Dairy Council of California’s Call to Action for Stakeholders

The initiative was supported by contributions from organizations including the California Cattle Council, Sysco Sacramento, and Custom Ed, which provided facilitation and logistical support. The Dairy Council of California is encouraging school officials, food service partners, and advocates to access the full report and contribute to shaping next steps in school meal innovation.

The full report is available for download at: DairyCouncilofCA.org/WNBFReport.