Schools that participate in the Challenge program and meet requirements established by USDA's Food and Nutrition Service are awarded bronze, silver or gold star status for their accomplishments. Encouraging kids to drink more milk, both flavored and plain low fat and nonfat varieties, are key components in the participation requirements.

"Studies have found that children who have a choice of flavored milk, are more likely to meet their calcium needs without consuming more total fat and calories as compared with their peers that don't drink milk," said Tipton, and we are pleased that USDA recommends that schools offer children a wide variety of dairy products.

The program also requires schools to provide physical education and nutrition education and offers strategies for purchasing, preparing and serving meals consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (See "Use Low-fat Milk, Cheese and Yogurt for Healthier School Meals" fact sheet for healthier schools meals.) teamnutritionda/Resources/DGfactsheet_milk.pdf

SOURCE International Dairy Foods Association