The Dairy Alliance, Virginia State Dairymen's Association, and Farm Credit of the Virginias have expanded funding for milk dispenser grants in Virginia schools through a combined $155,000 initiative. The program supports K-12 schools transitioning from single-use milk cartons to dispenser systems, with new awards scheduled for early 2026. This expansion represents a significant commitment to improving student nutrition while addressing environmental concerns in school cafeterias across the state.
The funding includes a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation, $30,000 from the Virginia State Dairymen's Association for schools statewide, and $10,000 from Farm Credit of the Virginias dedicated specifically to Southwest Virginia schools. All resources support equipment and kits that help schools modernize milk service while reducing cafeteria waste. This targeted approach ensures that both urban and rural communities across Virginia can benefit from the program's advantages.
Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the program's importance, stating that it gives schools the tools and support they need to make real dairy milk more accessible for students. When schools remove barriers and modernize how they serve real dairy milk, students drink more of it and build healthier habits that last beyond the cafeteria. The nutritional implications are particularly significant given that nearly three-quarters of children ages two through eighteen in the Southeast fall short of recommended daily dairy intake.
The Virginia State Dairymen's Association will administer grants in collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, directing resources toward equipment, training, and technical support for school nutrition teams. The Dairy Alliance's Youth Wellness team works closely with school nutrition directors to support implementation and promote the nutritional benefits of real dairy milk. This collaborative approach ensures schools receive comprehensive support throughout the transition process.
Eric Paulson, executive director of the Virginia State Dairymen's Association, highlighted how strong partnerships help schools deliver real dairy milk in a way that connects with students and supports local dairy farmers. This combined investment allows more Virginia schools to participate in a proven program as they plan for the 2026 school year. The program's expansion has economic implications for Virginia's dairy industry while addressing public health concerns about childhood nutrition.
Milk dispenser programs have demonstrated measurable results across the Southeast, where dairy consumption remains below recommended levels. At one early-adopting Virginia school, milk packaging waste dropped nearly 90 percent while milk consumption climbed more than 50 percent. Schools participating in similar programs consistently report average milk movement increases of at least 14 percent. These statistics underscore the program's dual benefits for both student health and environmental sustainability.
With this expanded funding, the Milk Dispenser Grant Program will reach additional Virginia cities and counties beginning in early 2026. Ongoing data collection will track environmental impact, milk usage, and student engagement throughout the grant period. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com. The program's expansion represents a strategic investment in Virginia's future, addressing both immediate nutritional needs and long-term environmental concerns through innovative school cafeteria solutions.
