The U.S. dairy community continues to make investments for the future of food. Thanks to dairy farmers’ relentless use of careful management and adoption of innovative practices, milk is being produced in the United States in an especially efficient way that nourishes people but also helps protect our planet. One example of this, U.S. Dairy’s bold journey to greenhouse gas (GHG) neutrality, was showcased at the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) 21st World Congress of Food Science & Technology in Singapore early this month.

Nutrition plays an undeniably-important role in child development. A parent’s choice of what foods and beverages to keep in their home goes well beyond choosing healthy options. Their child’s age, stage of development, allergies and intolerances are important elements. In this first piece in a series on how dairy supports different life stages, we are outlining dairy’s role in supporting child development. What better time to explore the benefits of milk and milk-derived ingredients than during the celebrations around World School Milk Day, commonly celebrated the last Wednesday in September each year.

Consumers want to relax after a long, busy day and are drawn to beverages that reduce stress and promote better sleep. The proteins derived from U.S. milk provide unmatched nutrition which may help consumers wake-up refreshed and energized.

In this four-part series, we will explore the unique dairy prototypes being served by USDEC at the Institute of Food Technologies (IFT) Annual Meeting and Food Expo 2017. First up is the Frozen Matcha Dairy Bar, which includes a matcha-flavored yogurt filling between two crispy oat wafers. Sound good? Come try it during IFT17 — USDEC will have samples to try at Booth 2270. If you’re not attending, you can read more about it in the formula sheet available to download at the end of this post.

Today is World Milk Day, so join USDEC and 30 countries around the world in celebration and ‘raise a glass’ to milk and the many nutritious and delicious benefits that dairy can offer! World Milk Day has been celebrated worldwide since 2001 and is meant to shine a spotlight on the nutrition and economic importance of milk and other dairy products.