Guernsey Dairy launches milk for schools initiative

Guernsey Dairy has begun supplying milk at breakfast clubs in three schools, with sponsorship covering the milk and some free places available for vulnerable children.

Guernsey Dairy has launched an initiative to supply milk at school breakfast clubs, currently in three schools. The project was advised by the States' clinical lead dietitian, and organisers say parents and children have given positive feedback. The States said some sessions typically charge £3 while some schools will offer free places to vulnerable children, and local business sponsorship has covered the milk costs. The dairy has said it hopes the scheme will be rolled out to more schools and attract further sponsors. Key details: - The NHS described milk as a source of essential nutrients and protein for children. - Three schools currently have agreements to provide milk at breakfast clubs under the initiative. - A typical charge of £3 applies for most children attending breakfast club sessions, while some schools will offer free places for vulnerable pupils. - Sponsorship from local businesses has allowed the milk to be provided free to participating pupils. - The States' clinical lead dietitian, Myfanwy Datta, advised the project and said developing habits of consuming milk or fermented dairy in childhood is important; she reported that about 70–80% of teenage girls are not meeting their calcium requirements. - The article notes some ethical and health concerns about dairy consumption, including animal welfare, hormones and lactose intolerance. Summary: Organisers report positive early feedback and health advisers highlighted nutritional benefits and a reported shortfall in calcium among teenage girls. The dairy hopes to expand the scheme to more schools and attract additional sponsorship. Undetermined at this time.