The Dairy Alliance, in collaboration with the Virginia State Dairymen's Association (VSDA) and Farm Credit of the Virginias, has announced an expansion of the Milk Dispenser Grant Program for K–12 schools across Virginia. The initiative, supported by combined funding of $155,000, will provide grants for milk dispenser equipment and kits, helping schools transition away from single-use milk cartons. The funding includes a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation, a $30,000 contribution from VSDA, and a $10,000 sponsorship from Farm Credit of the Virginias dedicated to schools in Southwest Virginia.
Through this partnership, VSDA will administer the grants, directing resources toward equipment, training, and technical support for school nutrition teams. The program aims to enhance the milk experience for students while supporting sustainability goals by reducing cafeteria waste. According to The Dairy Alliance, 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 grant programs have reported an average milk movement increase of at least 14 percent.
Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to milk consumption. "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," Newberry said. Eric Paulson, executive director of VSDA, noted that strong partnerships help schools deliver real dairy milk in a way that connects with students and supports local dairy farmers. "This combined investment allows more Virginia schools to participate in a proven program as they plan for the 2026 school year," Paulson said.
The expanded grant program will roll out in 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. School nutrition directors and administrators interested in the program can contact Roseanne Liberatore with The Dairy Alliance for more information. The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, works across eight states including Virginia to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry.
