Welcome back! In the very first post of this blog, we outlined the basics of the "Let's Move" program and two of the program's pillars, Healthy Choices and Accessible and Affordable Healthy Food. This post will give a little more information on the Healthier Schools and Physical Activity portions of the initiative. Healthier Schools Schools teach much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. They can also shape children's habits regarding eating and physical activity. Therefore, it's important that kids learn to make healthy choices, such as choosing nutrient-dense products like dairy foods. Studies have shown that children who drink milk grow up into adults that drink milk. Food in schools is being closely examined through the Child Nutrition Act Reauthorization process in Congress and through regulations and wellness policies at the state and local level. Flavored milk seems to be under special attack. The focus of these attacks is on the added sugar and additional calories in flavored versions. Physical Activity When talking about weight maintenance, "energy balance" and "calories in/calories out" get repeated so often that they almost start to feel meaningless. However, as anyone who's ever tried to lose weight can tell you, your calorie intake and your calorie usage, through daily living or physical activity, is vitally important. It is definitely good that "Let's Move" is focusing on both elements and urging children to be more physically active. How Does This Affect Dairy? Since dairy products are such an important part of the school food environment, it is important that they continue to be available in order to provide the nutrient benefits to schoolchildren. If schools end up focused on only "nutrients to avoid," like added sugars, instead of focusing on a food's entire nutrient package, then the benefits of dairy products could be overlooked. IDFA & Industry Activities IDFA President and CEO Connie Tipton has met with White House officials to emphasize the importance of dairy and educate them on what dairy processors are already doing, such as developing flavored milks with less sugar and fewer calories. IDFA’s legislative staff, led on this issue by IDFA Vice President Ruth Saunders, is working on Capitol Hill and with other organizations to support reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act, including Senator Blanche Lincoln's "Healthy Schools" bill, which has passed the Senate, and Committee Chairman George Miller's "Improving Nutrition for America's Children Act," which passed the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee last July. What Can You Do? When dealing with school customers, do you emphasize the nutritional benefits of dairy products, rather than allowing the focus to be on the “nutrients to avoid?” Could you develop new products or bring together existing products under a new line specifically for schools that would include lowfat dairy products with less sugar and sodium? To encourage increased physical activity, consider sponsoring a sporting event or activity for kids or families. What has your company done to help improve school food or to encourage physical activity? We'd love to hear from you.