WASHINGTON – USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins applauded the April 22 announcement by International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) on its Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment.   

The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicates children are not receiving enough essential nutrients for growth, development, healthy immune function, and overall wellness. In fact, U.S. federal dietary guidelines stress that between 68% and 94% of school-age boys and girls are currently failing to meet recommended levels of dairy intake.

“Parents, school nutrition professionals, and pediatricians want to ensure children consume healthy, wholesome, nutritious foods and beverages in school, and that is why we are excited to make the Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment today,” said IDFA President & CEO Michael Dykes, DVM.

IDFA will share its materials to further this cause with partners and community members, including USDA, state governments and agencies, and others.

To read more about the Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment, visit www.healthydairyinschools.org.