Coalition wants to make sure every child gets a half-pint of milk

Talk about it

June is National Dairy Month and the United Way Community Impact Coalition wants to boost awareness of the nutritional value that milk can provide in a young child’s diet.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nutritional deprivation, specifically during a child’s developing years, results in impaired physical growth, brain development and cognitive functioning; long-term emotional and health problems; and increased need for special education.

Currently, there are children in Douglas County that fall through the cracks and don’t get milk at school, noted the coalition.

The coalition’s goal: To make sure there is a half-pint of milk for every child.

“Just by ensuring all children get a milk break we can increase nutrition and reduce negative effects of nutritional deprivation,” said Jessica Boyer, Community Impact director.

A broasted chicken dinner fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Garden Center parking lot.

The public is invited to join the coalition, Garden Center/Fat Daddy’s Bar and Grill, Elden’s Food Fair, KIKV/ KULO, Stony Creek Dairy of Melrose and the Douglas County American Dairy Association as they raise awareness and money to make sure all students are able to enjoy a milk break.

“We can make a difference when we work together as a community!” Boyer said.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call United Way at (320) 763-4840.

Tags: local news, national dairy month, united way, news, children, milk, dairy, livestock