Child Nutrition

Why is dairy especially important for kids?

  • It’s got what they’re missing. Milk is the number one source for three of the nutrients that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA's ChooseMyPlate say kids and adults are lacking: Calcium, vitamin D and potassium.
  • It builds their bones. There’s evidence that low-fat or fat-free milk and other dairy products are linked to improved bone health, especially in children and adolescents.
  • Healthy habits start early. The Dietary Guidelines note that it’s especially important to establish the habit of drinking milk in young children, as those who drink milk when they’re little are more likely to drink it as adults.