The Dairy Alliance, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, and Farm Credit of the Virginias have expanded funding for milk dispenser grants in Virginia schools through a combined $155,000 initiative. The program supports K-12 schools transitioning from single-use milk cartons to dispenser systems, with new awards scheduled for early 2026.
The funding includes a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation, $30,000 from the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association for schools statewide, and $10,000 from Farm Credit of the Virginias dedicated to Southwest Virginia schools. All resources support equipment and kits that help schools modernize milk service while reducing cafeteria waste.
‘The Milk Dispenser Grant Program gives schools the tools and support they need to make real dairy milk more accessible for students,’ said Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance. ‘When schools remove barriers and modernize how they serve real dairy milk, students drink more of it and build healthier habits that last beyond the cafeteria.’
The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association will administer grants in collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, directing resources toward equipment, training, and technical support for school nutrition teams. The Dairy Alliance’s Youth Wellness team works closely with school nutrition directors to support implementation and promote the nutritional benefits of real dairy milk.
‘Strong partnerships help schools deliver real dairy milk in a way that connects with students and supports local dairy farmers,’ said Eric Paulson, executive director of the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association. ‘This combined investment allows more Virginia schools to participate in a proven program as they plan for the 2026 school year.’
Milk dispenser programs have demonstrated measurable results across the Southeast, where nearly three-quarters of children ages two through eighteen fall short of recommended daily dairy intake. At one early-adopting Virginia school, milk packaging waste dropped nearly 90 percent while milk consumption climbed more than 50 percent. Schools participating in similar programs consistently report average milk movement increases of at least 14 percent.
With this expanded funding, the Milk Dispenser Grant Program will reach additional Virginia cities and counties beginning in early 2026. Ongoing data collection will track environmental impact, milk usage, and student engagement throughout the grant period. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
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