WTVQ in Lexington

WBKO in Bowling Green

Food insecurity is defined by the USDA as limited or uncertain access to adequate food at the household level. Based on 2018 figures, an estimated 37 million Americans, including 11 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States. This number is shocking when compared with the food waste that takes place yearly. It is estimated that the United States wastes 30-40% percent of the food supply, which is not only a social and humanitarian concern, but also a far-reaching environmental issue.

Wasted food is the single largest category of material placed in landfills, which contribute 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Food decomposing in landfills emits methane. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that landfills are the third-largest source of methane emissions in the United States. When food is wasted, we are not only losing wholesome food that could have helped families in need, we are also wasting energy and resources invested (land, water, labor) at every level of the supply chain: producing, processing, transporting, preparing, and storing.

Dairy cows and other livestock play an important role in reducing food waste from various industries by eating parts of plants that humans cannot digest. Byproducts like nut hulls and citrus pulp would normally be discarded, but cows use it for energy to produce nutritious milk, literally recycling food back into our supermarkets! Another way to prevent food waste is through food banks. Food banks work closely with partner agencies to recover excess food from various organizations, including grocery manufacturers, retailers and producers, helping to save food from landfills and putting it onto the tables of families in need.
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We can all do our part in reducing food waste. Be a part of the solution and check out these tips on reducing food waste in the kitchen. Additionally, try our recipes for delicious ways to use the food you may already have in your fridge and pantry.

Stuck at home? Milk it for all it’s worth! Keep your family entertained with virtual learning experiences.

Learn
Whether you’re a teacher navigating an online classroom, or a parent suddenly tasked with homeschooling, check out these fun and educational ideas to help kids of all ages learn about dairy farms and the important role dairy foods play in their diet.

PRESCHOOL:

• Thank Goodness for Cows
• Milk Moo-Staches

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:

• Building Blocks of Milk Lesson Plan
• Building Healthy Bones Lesson Plan
• Milk on the Mooove: From Farm to You Worksheet
• Healthy Farming, Healthy You

MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL

• Under Construction: Building the Best Bones for Life Lesson Plan
• Be Smart Drink Smart Lesson Plan
• Breakfast Every Day Lesson Plan
• Eating for Fitness

Watch
While you may not be able to go out and visit a dairy farm in person, you can visit one from the comfort of your couch! Learn more about your local farmers, their cows, and the goodness of milk.

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

• Visit Our Farms
• Meet Our Farmers
• Meet Our Cows

Make and Taste
Did you know milk is packed full of 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein? You can still enjoy real milk if you are lactose intolerant and won’t find the same nutrition in milk impersonators. Take some time to try these fun recipes and rest assured you are nourishing your family with real dairy.
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• Blueberry Buttermilk Muffins
• Peanut Butter Whip with Apples
• Mac and Cheese Cups
• Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bars
• Greek Yogurt
• Whipped Cream
• Butter

Cow Crafts
After the family enjoys delicious dairy treats together, you can moo-ve on to discovering fun ways for repurposing used milk cartons with these cool craft ideas. Most of these projects can be completed at little to no cost, and only require supplies you probably already have on hand!
Check out more educational and entertaining resources in the Dairy in Schools section of The Dairy Alliance website.  

National Nutrition Month is here! Check out my interview with WTVQ in Lexington...

This month I was invited back to WTVQ to talk about bone health! Take a look at the video to learn how to achieve Bonegevity, or bones that are built to last.

Check out my latest interview on WTVQ, discussing healthy ways to celebrate the Easter holiday.

This year for National Nutrition Month we are promoting a campaign titled "Diet Disasters!"

It was my pleasure to partner with Foodchain, a local nonprofit organization, to teach a dairy good lesson for Lexington's youth!

Breakfast in the Classroom is an initiative aiming to ensure students have access to a nutritious meal each morning. Originally tested at a single elementary school in Rutherford County, after one year the school reported its highest test scores to date.

​This fall the program will launch in three additional elementary schools, of which more than half of the students are enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program. The menu will focus on nutritious options such as dairy, whole grains, and fruits.