​Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have been focusing on enhancing their immune health. None of us want to get sick and keeping our immune systems healthy is the first line of defense! Did you know you can buy wellness by the gallon?

​Are you wondering how to plan a pandemic-proof Valentine’s Day for your loved ones?
​Your plans may look different this year, but the good news is you can still make the day special!

​It’s safe to say we were all ready to bid farewell to 2020, but the ripple effect of the pandemic was profound, and we will continue to ride those waves into the New Year. Nothing was left untouched by COVID-19 shutdowns, even our food habits were swayed.

​Here are some trends that will continue in 2021.

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.
​

• 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.  

Amidst the chaos of the coronavirus pandemic, trust your pantry staples to pull your family through.