Summer 2003
| In
Schools From A to Z...Vended Milk Has Become a Choice in Many of
Michigan’s Schools Michigan schools, from Addison to Zeeland, have welcomed milk vending machines into their food court. It's a front line defense for dairy farmers to reverse the decline in milk consumption among young consumers. That's why United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) has sent a new milk-vending invitation to schools. The 2003 School Milk Vending offer aims to place an additional one hundred and sixty, discounted price, milk vending machines in locations across the state. It's one of the most important programs UDIM has presented to schools, not only because it's good for the dairy industry, but because it's socially responsible. Milk is jam-packed with the vitamins, minerals and fuel young people need to do all the things they want to do. Nutritionists agree that stopping kids from consuming junk food is nearly impossible especially since its so readily accessible in communities. As schools struggle to provide healthier school environments for students, milk vending is a step towards that goal by giving students the choice of a nutritious beverage. The milk-vending program is a fast way to get nine essential nutrients into growing teen bodies so they can perform at their best, mentally and physically. The popularity of single-serve plastic milk containers among younger consumers is undeniable. Ken Reich, UDIM, supports the milk-vending program by saying, "Give a kid a cold, fresh, flavorful container of milk and it disappears like magic. With this program we're not just telling kids about drinking milk. We're giving them the opportunity to enjoy it at its best—cold and in flavors. This program is going to have a positive impact on milk consumption over the long run." |
Milk vending can be profitable for processors and vending operators. ·Milk vending does not negatively impact milk sales in the cafeteria. ·There is potential opportunity for national sales of 130 million 16-ounce units. ·Milk vending machines serve as billboards for milk. ·Kids will eagerly buy milk from vending machines. *DMI/MILKPEP Milk Vending Study |
Producers Gather for Timely and Informative Trainings
United Dairy Industry of Michigan recently hosted more than 120 guests during the 74th Annual Meeting of the Dairy Council of Michigan and the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Association of Michigan at the Sheraton Lansing Hotel. Nick Bellows, UDIM CEO, highlighted an array of promotion activities that took place in 2002 on behalf of Michigan's dairy farmers and processors.
Immediately following the business meeting, the Dairy Diplomats of Michigan convened to address current nutrition issues affecting children and schools at the 22nd Annual Dairy Product Promotion Seminar. The theme of the two-day Seminar was Dairy Healthy Lifestyles.
Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD, presented information to assist families in making wise eating and lifestyle choices in an effort to reduce the risk of childhood overweight. Elizabeth, former American Dietetic Association spokesperson, also explored dairy's role in weight control.
Additional highlights from the Seminar include a dynamic cooking demonstration by Deanna House, of House Specialties. Deanna shared creative ideas for making nutrition snack for kids and cheese-filled appetizers.
UDIM program staff members Donna Hensey and Sharon Toth shared information on the goals and progress of the Michigan Action for Healthy Kids Coalition and
"Changing the Scene" grants, which strive to improve the school nutrition environment. Donna and Sharon also discussed a variety of classroom and foodservice programs that are being implemented to promote good nutrition for Michigan students.
Karen Giles-Smith, also a UDIM program staff member challenged attendees to become "Dairy Myth Busters" in an exciting and interactive session on combating common dairy myths. While today's consumers are becoming more aware of diary's health benefits, myths and misinformation persist and can negatively impact dairy's image and sales. The myth-informed got the real scoop at Karen's presentation and have been given a charge to be Dairy Myth Busters!
The Seminar concluded with gleaming smiles and laughter when Dane Wysocki presented "The Magic of Humor" and urged attendees to take what they do seriously while taking themselves lightly.
Next year, UDIM Annual Meeting and Dairy Product Promotion Seminar will be held Feb 26-27, 2004 at the Sheraton Lansing Hotel. We look forward to seeing many friends and some new faces!
2003 Lifetime Dairy Achievement Award
The Dairy Diplomats of Michigan selected Jim Fish to receive the 2003 Lifetime Dairy Achievement Award. On February 27, 2003 Fish received the Lifetime Dairy Achievement Award for exceptional dedication to the dairy industry throughout his lifetime.
The Lifetime Dairy Achievement Award is sponsored by the Dairy Diplomats of Michigan and annually recognizes one outstanding Michigan dairy farm family member for his or her dedication to promoting dairy products. Award recipients posses a lifetime of dairy promotion accomplishments and service to the industry and his or her local community. UDIM Board Member John Pell and Dairy Diplomat Judy Gordon nominated Jim, for many outstanding years of service to the dairy industry.
Jim was a member of the UDIM board of directors for 30 years until his retirement in 2002. He served as Treasurer of the UDIM board for 16 years and Vice President of the American Dairy Association of Michigan prior to that. Through his role as board member Jim was instrumental in the creation of the Dairy Diplomat Committee. Jim's foresight also brought the formation of the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, which combined and streamlined the operations of American Dairy Association of Michigan and Dairy Council of Michigan. Michigan was the forerunner in combining the two organizations in an effort to best serve dairy producers and consumers.
Jim served on the Independent Cooperative of Milk Producers Association for many years and following the merger with Dairy Farmers of America, Jim continued on as a board member. In addition to association and cooperative service, Jim has worked extensively with the youth, helping them learn the skills of dairy judging on a national and international level. Other accomplishments included being named the 2001 National Forester of the Year.
The Dairy Diplomats of Michigan and United Dairy Industry of Michigan are honored to have had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim Fish for many years. His knowledge and dairy promotion skills will continue to be an asset to the dairy and agriculture industries of Michigan.
Does Drinking Milk During Childhood Lead to Better Bones Later in Life?
The answer is yes, according to findings from a new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers found that women who reported higher milk intake during childhood and adolescence had greater bone mass and lower risk of fractures as adults. Data were obtained from over 3,000 white women 20 years of age and older who participated in NHANES III (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988-1994). Information was obtained on women's hip bone density, past and current milk and dietary calcium intakes, and fracture history.
Bone mineral content of women ages 20 to 49 was nearly 6% lower in those with the lowest intake of milk (< 1 serving/week) than in those with the highest milk intake (> 1 serving/day) during childhood. Additionally, low milk intake during the teenage years was associated with a 3% reduction in hip bone mineral content and bone mineral density in these women. Among women aged 50 years and older, a two-fold greater risk of fractures was associated with low milk intake during childhood. The researchers suggest that this greater risk could account for 11% of osteoporotic fractures in this population.
The researchers point out that milk provides a variety of nutrients - calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, protein, zinc and magnesium - that may favor bone mineralization. They also add that the findings of this study support efforts to increase milk intake during childhood and adolescence to protect bone health in later years.
In an accompanying editorial, the author states that "attention should be given to the potential for future effects of diminished milk intake on bone status and risk of fracture," particularly as there is "growing pressure on schools to stock vending machines with soda and other caloric beverages that lack calcium."
