Georgia Milk Producers Launch School Milk Dispenser Initiative to Reduce Waste and Boost Nutrition
Georgia milk producers are stepping up to make a big difference in school nutrition. During last week’s Georgia School Nutrition Association meeting, the producers unveiled a major initiative aimed at improving milk consumption and reducing waste in K-12 schools across the state.
“The Georgia milk producers have generously donated $200,000 to go towards placement of milk dispensers in K-12 settings in Georgia,” said Will McWhirter with The Dairy Alliance.
The new initiative will install bulk milk dispensers in up to 30 schools across Georgia, replacing traditional open-top refrigerators and single-serve cartons. This effort is part of a partnership between Georgia Milk Producers and The Dairy Alliance, combining funding with logistics to strategically place the dispensers where they will have the most impact.
“As a member of Georgia milk producers, we’ve partnered with the Dairy Alliance on trying to strategically locate up to 30 bulk milk dispensers in schools across the state,” said Adam Graft from Leatherbrook Dairy in Americus.
“The response from the schools is, it’s incredible. People are very, very excited about the opportunity to get this equipment into their schools and zero cost really.”
According to research cited during the launch, drinking milk from bulk dispensers can increase fluid milk consumption among schoolchildren by up to 47%.
Jess Peaden, Director of School Nutrition for Bremen City Schools, also expressed enthusiasm for the program:
“So we have four dispensers and we’re really excited to get this program up and going. We have seen a lot of milk waste with students, but having the fresher milk that stays colder and there’s a lot less waste, the kids are really attracted to that.
So I believe that our milk sales and even our a la carte milk sales will go up tremendously over the next year.”
This initiative aligns with broader goals of reducing food waste, improving child nutrition, and supporting local dairy farmers. With enthusiastic support from school leaders, students, and producers alike, the program promises lasting impact for Georgia’s next generation.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.