Due to the generosity of Minnesota Dairy farmers, 52 schools in Minnesota received grants to offer new dairy opportunities to increase milk and dairy consumption to nearly 33,000 students. These grants brought different dairy options to schools, including High School latte coffee, bulk milk machines, and yogurt smoothies in the 2022-2023 school year.
Data collected for 49 schools showed a combined 514,583 incremental pounds of milk used between Spring and Fall. Checkoff continues to receive positive feedback from schools. It had a catalytic effect in two districts that are adding additional bulk milk machines in other schools due to the positive student response. Consumption data will continue to be collected through the 2023-2024 school year to track Incremental milk sales. The start of the Minnesota Free Meals programs this fall will give more students access to these new innovative dairy options as they are now a part of the reimbursable meal.