Back to school is one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year for both children and parents. Traditionally it is a fantastic opportunity to reintroduce healthier eating habits and routine for children after the long summer break. With schools closing in March this year however, the return to routine may be more daunting than usual for everyone.

It’s important to remember that the school lunch is one of your child’s three main meals, so it’s worth ensuring that their lunchbox and snacks are as nutritionally balanced as possible. It goes without saying that a little preparation goes a long way, so to help parents get started we have developed a practical ‘Lunchbox Tips’ video for parents with INDI Dietitian Louise Reynolds.

Caroline Gunn, Nutritionist with the National Dairy Council explains “Milk is one of the best dietary sources of calcium, a nutrient that is well recognised for its important role in normal bone growth and development. Childhood and the adolescent years are particularly important for forming healthy bones; however, from the national children’s food survey we know that over a third of Irish children aged 5-12 years have inadequate intakes of calcium. As part of a balanced diet, the Healthy Eating Guidelines recommend three daily servings from the ‘milk, yogurt and cheese’ food group for 5-8 year olds and five daily servings for 9-18 year olds.”

The School Milk Scheme has long been recognised as one of the most convenient and affordable ways to help children meet their calcium and nutrient needs. In these uncertain times and with disruption to normal routines, it is reassuring to know that School Milk will continue to deliver all of the same benefits for children when they return to school in September.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary T.D., says “The School Milk Scheme is a great way to support children’s health and nutrition throughout the year. In light of the uncertainty faced by us all this year, we are happy to continue facilitating the delivery of milk to children around the country as schools reopen. Cultivating healthy eating habits at an early age is one of the goals we aspire to under our School Milk Scheme as well as the opportunity to connect to Agriculture and the Story of Milk “from Grass to Glass”.

Schools that register for the scheme receive free fridges to ensure that milk is served chilled and fresh, as well as access to exclusive education resources and competitions. The National Dairy Council is now taking registrations for the School Milk Scheme for the 2020/2021 school year. Only children registered in participating schools can avail of this fantastic service. If you would like your child’s school to avail of School Milk please email the National Dairy Council at schoolmilk@ndc.ie or visit www.moocrew.ie to register your interest.

The School Milk Scheme is managed by The National Dairy Council and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the support of the European Union.

For futher information contact:
Cathy Currran, Communications Manager, National Dairy Council
+353 1 290 2518 | pr@ndc.ie