World School Milk Day

World School Milk Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of September. This day is dedicated to highlighting the benefits of milk for children and promoting school milk programs around the world.

History

The first school milk program was introduced by Ellen Wilkinson, the Minister for Education in England. She persuaded Parliament to pass a law requiring milk to be provided to schoolchildren free of charge. In 1945, the law was enacted, and every child under 18 received a pint of milk daily while at school. Other countries soon followed suit. The United States implemented a similar program in 1955, and World School Milk Day was first celebrated in 2000.

Interesting Details

• The Special Dairy Program became part of the U.S. Baby Food Act in 1966. Unlike in England, children in the U.S. received half a pint of milk, not a full pint.
• Milk is rich in calcium, which helps build strong bones and teeth in children.
• School milk is often fortified with vitamin D, which is essential for healthy growth.
• Milk helps prevent dehydration, supports normal vision, and provides energy.

How to Take Part

Drink milk and encourage children to do the same. Check if your child’s school participates in a dairy program. Learn about the health benefits of milk, motivate your child to include dairy in their diet, and try making fun milk-based recipes together.

When is World School Milk Day in 2025?

World School Milk Day is observed on the last Wednesday of September each year.

Observations