VALDOSTA – The Lowndes County School Nutrition Program joined other school districts in more than 40 counties to celebrate the 16th anniversary of World School Milk Day on Wednesday, Sept. 30. 

The Food and Agriculture Organization created World School Milk Day to focus attention on school milk with celebrations in countries around the globe highlighting the health benefits of milk on the last Wednesday in September each year. 

“Milk in all flavors is a Powerhouse Beverage and a great source of natural fuel for the body – milk provides the power of protein to build muscles, calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth, potassium to keep the heart healthy, along with five other important vitamins and minerals needed every day,” said Sharon Flythe, director of school nutrition for Lowndes County Schools.

Students at each elementary school participated in special events from dressing in the color of their favorite milk flavor to wearing special promotional stickers in the cafeteria. School nutrition staff members promoted the event by dressing as cows and milk cartons in some schools. Students also viewed a special video on the importance of the dairy industry to daily nutrition.