Problem Statement: The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children age two and older should be encouraged to drink lowfat milk to significantly decrease saturated and total fat consumption. Despite these recommendations, students in Surry County Schools continue to choose whole milk over lowfat alternatives.
Hypothesis: Implementing a four week 1% Or Less milk campaign, featuring a blind milk taste test will increase middle school students’ consumption of lowfat milk and provide the data needed to create policy change that targets removal of whole milk from serving lines.
Methods: 1. Nutritionists at the Surry County Health & Nutrition Center collaborated with the Surry County School's child nutrition staff, Flavorich Dairy, and the principals and teachers at four middle schools to establish baseline data for milk consumption. A pre and post campaign survey was distributed to all students to assess nutritional knowledge and taste preferences.
2. Interactive activities were conducted including a blind milk tasting during lunch. Incentives included school specific cow tee-shirts, cups, pens, gift certificates, milkshake party and a faculty breakfast.
Results: Efforts resulted in a marked increase in lowfat milk sales at school. The blind milk tasting demonstrated approximately 64% of students in each school preferred white 1% or less milk. The child nutrition director and her staff agreed to remove whole milk from serving lines for the next school year.
Conclusion: Public health can partner with local schools and key community partners to create policy change that positively impacts the nutritional status of students.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the 1% Or Less milk campaign. 2. List 3 reasons why implementing a nutrition based program within the school system can be more effective in creating environmental change. 3. List an environmental change that occured as a direct result of the 1% Or Less milk campaign. 4. Contrast the difference between student milk consumption at school verses at home.
Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, School-Based Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Surry County Middle Schools,
Flavorich Dairy,
"Start with Your Heart" Cardiovascular Health Project
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.