School Meals

School meals that include dairy play an important role in the health
and well being of all students.

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Value of School Meals Toolkit

This toolkit features templates of customizable social media posts to promote your school meal programs in your community.  Contains sample copy and images with usage permissions.

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Dairy & School Meals

  • girl drinking chocolate milk pointing to sign saying "milk is a must"
    School Milk

    Promotion, education and guidance resources for school milk.

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  • 3 flavors of milk
    Flavored Milk

    Feel good about flavored milk and the nutrition it provides.

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  • Smoothies

    Kids love smoothies and we love the nutrition they provide. Add this popular item to your menu.

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  • Hot Chocolate Milk

    We have resources to support adding hot chocolate milk to your menu.

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  • Grants for Schools

    Learn more about available grants for schools.

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  • young girl holding lunch tray with apple
    School FAQs

    Get answers to your dairy and school meals questions.

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  • School Nutrition Webinars

    Check out our recorded webinars for school nutrition professionals.

    Access Webinars
  • Printed Resources

    Order free resources for your schools and meal programs.

    Order Resources
  • Downloadable Resources

    Explore and download resources for your school and programs.

    View & Download

Host a Webinar Watch Party with New England Dairy

Take advantage of free continuing education and receive a cheese gift box for your district or SNA chapter meeting when you host a New England Dairy webinar watch party. Minimum 10 participants. Limit one training per organization per school year. Available to schools in CT, MA, NH, RI, & VT.

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Dairy in Schools FAQ

Why is milk served with school meals?

Milk is required as a part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs because it provides a powerful package of 13 essential nutrients that are good for overall wellness. Schools can choose to offer white and flavored, fat-free and 1% milk, as well as lactose-free milk. Low-fat and fat-free yogurt and cheese can also be part of school meals.

Can smoothies can be credited in a reimbursable meal?

Many schools have been successful in integrating smoothies as part of their reimbursable meal menus. Depending on the recipes used, you can credit smoothies as milk, yogurt, fruit, and vegetable. Learn how to credit properly by following the USDA’s Smoothie guidance and using our smoothie recipes and resources.

Why is dairy included in Farm to School?

New England dairy farmers play an important role in producing a wholesome, nutritious product that is locally produced year-round and goes from the farm to you in as little as two days. Like other crops, it’s important to bring milk and other dairy products into school cafeterias and classrooms to nourish healthy bodies as well as connect students to where their milk comes from and how it impacts their bodies, the environment, and their communities at large.

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