Health and Wellbeing

School Milk - Reap The Rewards!

Back to School

September is the time of year when most parents think of ‘Back to School’. With it, comes a whole host of to-do lists; school uniforms, booklists and of course the inevitable associated expenses! ‘Back to School’ is also often an ideal time for many people to try to incorporate healthier eating habits into their daily lives and it’s no surprise that this is reflected in the food choices that they make, both for themselves and the whole family. One of the most cost-effective and healthy choices that parents can make for their children is registering them for the EU Subsidised School Milk Scheme from September. The National Dairy Council supports schools registered for School Milk by supplying them with free fridges to store milk, ensuring that this fresh, revitalising drink is enjoyed at its best at all times.

The EU Subsidised School Milk Scheme

Schools registered for the School Milk Scheme offer participating pupils the opportunity to contribute to their three recommended portions of dairy each day at a very affordable price. In this current difficult economic climate, many parents are seeking ways to ensure that their child’s daily nutritional needs are met, without breaking the bank!
Parents are often pleasantly surprised to learn that the average cost per week for a child to receive School Milk is approximately €1 .

School Milk Loyalty Programme

Not only does the School Milk Scheme offer parents great value for money, but now parents can also avail of the new
School Milk Loyalty Programme. This programme has been developed to recognise the involvement of parents in supporting this important initiative and the ongoing drive to ensure that children are meeting their recommended daily nutritional requirements. Parents of participating children can now avail of special discounts on family attractions, retail outlets and family weekend breaks by subscribing to our loyalty programme. As part of the loyalty programme parents will be emailed newsletters with loyalty club discounts at regular intervals throughout the year. Not only that but our newsletters also include nutritional information and tips to help keep the whole family happy and healthy! And of course, we’re not forgetting the little ones. We know that children need all the encouragement they can get to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Included in each edition of the newsletter is a special kid’s section, with games, competitions and activities to keep them busy throughout the year. We will also provide children with bite-sized nutritional information, emphasising the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and an active lifestyle.

So what are you waiting for?

If you and your child participate in the School Milk Scheme then log on to www.freshmilkclub.ie from September to subscribe to our new loyalty programme and reap the benefits of belonging to one of the most active and rewarding clubs nationwide! If you or your child’s school is currently not involved in the School Milk Scheme, then simply contact the Fresh Milk Club Project Office on 01 - 522 4844 or email us at freshmilkclub@ndc.ieto find out just how easy it is to register. Once your child is registered for School Milk you can start availing of the excellent discounts available to you!

A Healthy Balanced Diet

As part of a healthy, balanced diet, the Department of Health and Children recommends three portions of dairy
foods per day for children. The recommended dietary allowance for calcium increases during the teenage years (11-17 yrs) and, therefore, it is advisable that teenagers consume up to five portions of dairy per day.

Dairylicious Lunchbox Ideas

  • Cheese and tomato baguette, an apple, pot of yogurt and water
  • Chicken salad sandwich on wholegrain bread, a banana and a portion of School Milk
  • Pasta salad with peppers and grated cheese, an orange and a portion of School Milk
  • Tuna wrap with low-fat mayonnaise, a pear, a yogurt-based drink and water

 

After School Snacks

  • Cheese on crackers
  • Fresh fruit smoothie
  • Cheese toastie
  • Natural yogurt over chopped fruit
  • Bowl of cereal with milk

Nutri-Myth of the month

Myth: Calcium is the only important nutrient found in dairy foods!
Fact: Although dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt are important sources of calcium, many other nutrients are also present in dairy. For example, a serving of milk is a great source of protein, riboflavin and vitamin B12 and also provides phosphorus and potassium!

Did you know?

Heat has little impact on the calcium content of food. So by including dairy in cooked foods and snacks such as lasagne or a hot chocolate, you’re still contributing to your daily calcium requirements!

 

If you have any suggestions or ideas, we would be delighted to hear from you via email at feelinggood@ndc.ie or write to us at The National Dairy Council, Innovation House, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Don't miss our September feature 'Breakfast - Starting your day the best possible way!'- available online from Monday 19th September, 2011.

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