Nutrition Explorations: School Nutrition Professionals: Introducing the 2nd Annual LISN Award Winners!

Expanding Breakfast Online Course Selecting the winners of the Second Annual Leadership in School Nutrition (LISN) Awards was no easy task! With so many schools and dairy processors, building exceptional partnerships through innovations in milk programming that utilize the "New Look of School Milk," the judges' challenge was to identify the best-of-the best. But, they did it and the winners are...

Grand Prize Winners: $5,000, Each

Strongsville City Schools, Strongsville, Ohio and Dairymens Milk & Ice Cream Co., Cleveland, Ohio — Read all about Stronsgsville's enhanced milk program. Find out how Strongsville won the hearts of parents with vanilla milk!

First Runners Up: $2,000, Each

Marietta Middle School and Mayfield Dairy, Marietta, Ga.

Second Runners Up: $1,000, Each

Omaha Public Schools, and Roberts Dairy, Omaha, Neb.

Promoting Positive Partnerships for Wellness

Sponsored by National Dairy Council^® and Dairy Field Magazine, the LISN Award reflects a critical time where schools and industry need to develop closer relationships to create products and programs that offer children appealing, healthy options, so they "choose wellness." In support of school wellness goals, the LISN Award acknowledges and promotes these partnerships, rewarding those enhancing the school milk experience. The prizes received are earmarked for use toward future school nutrition efforts.

Milk's Contribution to Wellness

Milk is a complete nutrient package with calcium and eight other essential nutrients. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend three servings of dairy each day and listed low-fat and fat-free dairy among three "Food Groups to Encourage." And, milk supplies three of the five nutrients the Guidelines identify as deficient in children's diets: calcium, magnesium and potassium. However, only 30% of school children consume the recommended Milk Group servings.

New Look of School Milk Boosts Milk and Meal Consumption

In the 2002 School Milk Pilot Test, participating schools showed an increase of 18% in milk sales, 37% in milk consumption and 5% in lunch participation at the secondary level. The model, the New Look of School Milk, is now in more than 6,000 schools, serving over 3.5 million students, and is supplied by almost 50 processors. These schools report sustained success with increased milk sales, better student nutrition and increased meal participation.

Get Ready to Win the LISN Award Next Year

Now is the perfect time to team up with your dairy processor and begin innovative programming with the New Look of School Milk. Applications for the next LISN Award will be available in August, 2007.

For more information on the LISN Award and the New Look of School Milk, contact your local Dairy Council^® and visit
www.LISN-Awards.com.