Make milk a diet priority for kids as they need a high dairy intake

WE all know dairy foods are rich in calcium. But lots of us don’t realise just what nutritional punch milk packs.

So says Caroline O’Donovan, nutritionist with the National Dairy Council (NDC), during Dairy Health Week, which runs until May 1.

“Milk’s a very valuable source of nutrients — protein, phosphorous, potassium, iodine and Vitamins B2 and B12. It’s a package of nutrients that work in synergy for different aspects of health.”

The Moo Crew programme, developed by the NDC in consultation with teachers, has been running in primary schools since Easter.

Now in its fourth year, it came about because of research showing a nutrition gap among Irish primary schoolchildren — 37% of girls and 28% of boys aged from five to 12 years have inadequate calcium intakes in their diet.

Calcium is really important for bone growth and development and — says O’Donovan — it is crucial children get adequate amounts so as to “support laying down of bone mass to ensure good strong bones in later life”.

It’s also important to instil good dairy intake in primary school because research shows an even higher proportion of teens don’t get enough — 42% of girls and 23% of boys.

“There may be a misconception that dairy’s high in fat. Whole milk is three and a half percent fat. People think it’s a lot higher.”

Last year, more than 5,000 children from 900 primary schools nationwide participated in the Moo Crew programme, a fun, engaging way for children to learn the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet and the importance of exercise — to “get moo-ving”.

This year, the programme has been expanded into junior and senior infant classes so it’s now offered to all primary school classes.

Moo Crew offers learning supports for teachers that are curriculum-linked, including web-based resources at www.moocrew.ie, where Milly the cow has a blog.

This year the lesson plans have been expanded with a new module on the history of cheese-making in Ireland.

Children are taken through the process, from why cheddar cheese is made during spring, summer and autumn to the final stage when cheddar is stored in a cool room to ripen for six to 12 months.

The additional module has been welcomed by three-time Olympian Derval O’Rourke, an ambassador for Moo Crew and for Cheese up Your Life.

See: www.moocrew.ie

LUNCH TIPS

* Include variety – Choose from sliced bread, bread rolls, wraps or pasta; fruit and vegetables; yogurts and different types of cheese.

* Include a drink: Water and milk are considered best choices.

* If introducing something for the first time, try at home first.

* Involve children in preparing school lunch. This will encourage interest in food, as well as ensuring foods they like are included.

Source: www.moocrew.ie