The benefits of milk in school will be in the spotlight on Wednesday 26th September as the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI) celebrate World School Milk Day. The annual event, which is celebrated across the globe, highlights the benefits of break–time milk.  Around 60% of primary schools in Northern Ireland provide milk to pupils through the EU School Milk scheme which encourages children to consume dairy products as part of a balanced diet.

Speaking about the importance of the day, Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of DCNI said “Drinking milk at break time can help beat thirst and keep pupils hydrated as well as providing important nutrients including calcium, protein, iodine, potassium, phosphorus and vitamins B12 and B2 so it is excellent that a day in the year is set aside to remind people of this. Of course, the Dairy Council’s work in relation to encouraging good nutrition extends well beyond World School Milk Day, indeed, our new Food and Fitness placement students will be visiting primary schools across NI to promote the benefits of activity and a healthy, balanced diet, including the important role of milk and dairy foods.”