The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is celebrating World School Milk Day (30th September) with the launch of a scheme offering a grant to all post primary schools to contribute towards the purchase of refrigeration for Physical Education (P.E.) departments.

The scheme, which is part of the Dairy Council’s sport and exercise nutrition education programme for 12-18 year olds, will provide grants of up to £200 on a first-come-first-served basis.“Milk plays an important role in a healthy balanced diet for young people, providing a good source of calcium along with a variety of other vitamins and minerals.  It is also recognised as a suitable drink following exercise as it is a rich source of protein as well as supplying fluid and electrolytes,” said Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive, Dairy Council.  “As a result, more athletes are drinking milk following exercise, a trend that is particularly evident in post primary schools.

“To encourage this trend, and to complement our education programme, we are working with post-primary schools to contribute to the purchase of refrigeration for their P.E. department to help facilitate the supply of milk to students following training or competition sessions.”

The provision of refrigeration facilities will allow students to put into practice the theory learnt through the various education programmes provided by the Dairy Council and help promote good nutritional practices following training sessions.

Schools can get further information on the refrigeration grant scheme by visiting www.dairycouncil.co.uk

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