lactose-free SHELF-STABLE DAIRY MILK PILOT
CINCINNATI PUBLIC SCHOOLS FINDS SHELF- STABLE LACTOSE-FREE DAIRY MILK HELPED ADDRESS NUTRITION EQUITY AND INCREASE MILK CONSUMPTION AND MEAL PARTICIPATION
CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION IN PILOT: • Schools with high levels of students with lactose intolerance • Schools committed to offering lactose-free dairy milk to all students or those with documented medical needs SITUATION: Lactose-free dairy milk is on the rise, with 25% of households choosing it in 2023, up from 15% in 2015. Despite this demand, it makes up just 0.1% of milk served in schools, leaving lactose-intolerant students underserved. There is a movement towards meal tray equity to ensure all students have access to nutritious and diverse options. Lactose-free dairy milk, particularly having it available in chocolate, solves for this disparity. (Prime 2019 All Channel Tracker) VISION: To create an inclusive school nutrition environment where every student, regardless of dietary restrictions, has access to nutritious and appealing milk options. By introducing 1% lactose- free dairy white and chocolate milk in shelf-stable packaging, the initiative aimed to enhance student nutrition and support schools in providing balanced meal programs. This approach meets students’ preferences for flavored milk and ensures operational efficiency with long shelf-life packaging.
GOALS: TO UNDERSTAND & DOCUMENT THE IMPACT OF OFFERING LACTOSE-FREE DAIRY MILK ON: • Overall milk consumption • Meal participation • Student and
staff acceptance and preferences
• Operational
challenges and opportunities
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