National Nutrition Month

Karianne Fallow, CEO, United Dairymen of Idaho: "First and foremost, the new guidelines help ensure children in the Gem State and nationwide have access to nutritious foods. Chief among them are dairy products, which the guidelines note provide three out of four essential nutrients. The four essential nutrients are potassium,

vitamin D, calcium, and fiber, and milk is the number-one dietary source for the first three. Instilling healthy nutrition and physical activity habits at a young

age is important to childhood growth and development, and the new

guidelines have a huge impact on school foodservice programs. School

meals are important for assuring student health and academic success,

and a growing book of research suggests improving kids' access to

nutritious foods helps them learn.

The new federal dietary guidelines also help ensure Idaho's economy

remains healthy. Interestingly, the new guidelines directly point out dairy is one food group people are not getting enough of. The updates also clarify that natural sugar in dairy products and fruit like raisins and apples is not considered added sugar, which is important because the revised guidelines suggest Americans limit their sugar intake. Furthermore, dairy foods are also linked to multiple health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes and improved bone health.

Obviously this has impacts beyond health implications here in Idaho,

because we live in the third largest dairy-producing state in the

country. In fact, dairy products comprise nearly one-third of the

agricultural sector's total contribution to Idaho's economy, and our

state's 500 dairy farms employ more than 23,000 people.

Our dairies also affect the dietary guidelines. As part of the

National Dairy Council, Idaho farmers help fund research examining the

health benefits of dairy products and milk protein. The U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of

Agriculture consider this credible, university-led research when

updating the federal dietary guidelines every 5 years.

Here in the Gem State we have an entire division devoted to providing

science-based nutrition education at no charge. The Idaho Dairy

Council's team of registered dietitians works with scientists, health

professionals, educators, athletic directors, coaches, and food

assistance programs like WIC and the Idaho Foodbank's Cooking Matters

workshops to keep healthy choices top of mind.

Meanwhile, Gem State dairy farm families give back $1.6 million

annually to support Idaho youth. All of it is focused on youth

wellness initiatives and includes integrated health and nutrition

information for classrooms, a standardized testing program that

supplies string cheese to students taking I-SAT exams, and foodservice

equipment grants that provide schools with the kitchen tools they need

to offer healthier menu options.

These efforts also include our refuel grants for athletics programs

and the 12,000 gallons of milk we provide annually to Idaho college

athletes - both of which help underscore the importance of

rehydrating, refueling, and replenishing. This commitment to the

well-being of Idaho youth spans decades, with United Dairymen of Idaho

having served as the official sponsor of all Idaho High School

Athletics Association state tournaments, meets, and contests since

1984.