Happy World Milk Day

20^th Anniversary of UN's #WorldMilkDay

In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations launched World Milk Day to recognize the important role of milk in our global food system. This year is the 20^th anniversary of #WorldMilkDay, and campaigns are underway worldwide to share the message of how milk is nourishing families and strengthening communities. Glanbia is proud to be a part of the celebrations every year and invites you to raise a glass to the goodness of milk!

Nutrition Benefits of Dairy

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans identifies dairy as part of a healthy eating pattern and recommends Americans shift their eating habits to include more nutrient-dense foods such as dairy.¹ Dairy is known as a major source of calcium and vitamin D in the American diet. Calcium supports healthy bones and teeth, as well as proper muscle and nerve function, while vitamin D is involved in calcium absorption and immune system regulation.

The proteins found in milk are also highly nutritious. Both casein and whey proteins are considered complete proteins. Since they contain the right balance of all the essential amino acids, the body is able to utilize all of the protein. These proteins are especially valuable in muscle growth and maintenance. In addition, casein improves the absorption of certain minerals like zinc.

Economic Importance of Dairy

Milk and dairy products play a vital role in the economy. There are over 34,000 dairy farms in the U.S. alone, with milk produced in all fifty states.² The largest producer is California, followed by Wisconsin, Idaho, New York, and Texas.³ These farms can be small family farms or large farms that employ a number of people in the community. Dairy farmers are not only experts in animal care and feeding, they’re also food safety experts responsible for the safe handling and storage of milk.

#WorldMilkDay is the perfect opportunity to celebrate these essential dairy workers who continue to work hard through the COVID-19 crisis. Their efforts help ensure this nutritious, affordable beverage is available to consumers across the country and to the many food processors who rely on milk to make other food and beverage products. Manufacturers of cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, and specialty ingredients like whey protein powders are all part of the dairy supply chain that helps keep communities economically strong. 

Ways to Celebrate #WorldMilkDay from Home

So what can you do to celebrate all things dairy on #WorldMilkDay? Here are some ideas (especially fun if you have kids):

1. Make a list of all the different ways you use milk (e.g., in cereal, smoothies, baking).
2. See how many foods in your kitchen contain a dairy ingredient.
3. Prepare a homemade pudding or another milk-based recipe from scratch.
4. Look up how ice cream was invented.
5. Watch a video online about how cheese or yogurt is made.
6. Research how many dairy farms are in your state and see which one is the nearest to you.
7. Write a poem or song about milk, cows, or what it’s like to be a dairy farmer.

Be sure to share your love of dairy by posting how you celebrated #WorldMilkDay on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We at Glanbia hope you’ll enjoy #WorldMilkDay as much as we do!

Contact Glanbia to learn more about our wide variety of dairy ingredients—from delicious cheeses to whey protein concentrates to dairy bioactives for sports nutrition.

References

1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, 8^th Ed. (2015). Retrieved from https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/

2-3. USDA. (2020). Milk Production report. February 20, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Todays_Reports/reports/mkpr0220.pdf