Guernsey Dairy celebrates World School Milk Day with La Mare de Carteret High School students
27 September 2023
This day coincides with Guernsey Dairy's ongoing campaigns to not only promote the health benefits of milk but also its "Wild about Guernsey farming" campaign aimed at highlighting the important role farmers play in managing the island's natural habitat.
Since 2000, World School Milk Day has been recognised all over the world to celebrate the benefits and success of school milk programmes promoted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO).
On Wednesday the year 8 and 9 students will watch a video produced by Guernsey Dairy which explains the island's dairy farming industry and talks about the natural goodness of milk from grass to glass.
In the video Alex Tielles, the Dairy's quality and compliance manager says; "Guernsey milk is 100% natural, free from additives or added ingredients (except Lactose Free milk). A glass of milk is a good source of calcium, which is great for building strong bones and teeth. It's also a good daily source of protein, which supports muscle building and keeping vital organs healthy."
Claire Fallaize, associate assistant headteacher and head of year 11 at La Mare de Carteret said; "A key strand in our curriculum for Personal Development is teaching our young people how to keep themselves healthy and lead an active lifestyle. World School Milk Day and Guernsey Dairy has offered us the chance to explore the health benefits of drinking milk and look more closely at the role of farming within our community, followed by a glass of the good stuff during breaktime today."
The Dairy "Wild about Guernsey Farming" campaign is a collaboration between the Dairy and the Guernsey Farmers Association to demonstrate how the local dairy industry benefits the island and manages its countryside.
Liz Ruddy, States of Guernsey's senior dietitian, recommends children over the age of 11 should drink around 190mls of skimmed or semi-skimmed milk each day. For younger children she advises 100ml of whole milk for one to two-year olds and 150ml of semi skimmed milk for two to 11-year-olds. (see references in Notes to Editors).
When it comes to adult guidelines the recommended daily portion is 200ml.
According to the International Dairy Federation, not only do dairy foods play an integral role in supporting overall health, but the wider evidence shows that a healthy diet and good nutrition play a significant role in building a strong and healthy immune system