Celebrate June Dairy Month

The month of June is upon us, so that means June Dairy Month activities are being planned. This year?s June Dairy Month theme, Find the Healthy Way with 3-A-Day, urges people to get three servings of dairy a day by consuming a glass of milk, a cup of yogurt or a slice of cheese.

June has marked an annual salute to America?s dairy farmers since 1937, when grocer organizations sponsored ?National Milk Month.? Two years later, the observation became known as dairy month, promoting the consumption of all dairy foods.

Lauren Lytle, daughter of Mark and Hilda Lytle, has been chosen to serve as dairy month chairman for Warren County. She and a host of volunteers are planning activities designed to communicate the value of milk and dairy products to the community.

She is an active 4-Her and is involved in the food/fitness/health, consumer education, public speaking and leadership projects. Lauren will be a freshman at Warren County High school. The busy young lady is on the basketball, track and swim team. She is also on the Teen Health Council, Beta Club and a member of First Baptist Church.

Assisting in activities throughout the month is the 2005 4-H Dairy Princess Sarah Colangione. Her parents are Kimberlene and Vincent Colangione and she is an eighth-grader at Gateway Christian School. She enjoys reading, playing the violin and of, course, drinking milk!

Milk and milk products are great nutrient packages of nine essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, potassium, riboflavin, phosphorus, vitamins A, D and B-12 and protein. Dairy products are what dietitians call nutrient-dense foods, containing an abundance of vitamins and minerals per calorie.

In 2005, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee suggested that Americans increase their consumption of milk, yogurt and cheese from 2-3 servings a day to 3 servings a day. The federal government develops and releases the guidelines every five years based on expert testimony and exhaustive scientific research.

The research showed how critical it is to consume dairy and live a healthy lifestyle. A recent study published in the American Journal of Hypertension suggests that eating 3 to 4 servings of dairy every day could lead to healthcare savings of more than $214 billion over five years through reduced risks of high blood pressure, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

Over the years, dairy foods have evolved to satisfy taste buds as well as provide vitamins and minerals for good health. New flavors of milk such as vanilla, strawberry and banana to countless varieties of cheeses and dozens of flavors of yogurt line the shelves of your nearest grocery store.

Great taste, healthy weight management and stronger bones are clear road signs that will guide you from childhood to the golden years. Follow the road and make sure your refrigerator is well stocked with milk, cheese and yogurt.

June Dairy Day Schedule

June 24 at Three Star Mall
11-11:30 a.m.
Register for Baby Show
Ages:
Birth – 12 months
13 months – 24 months
25 months – 4 years
Twins Ages birth to 4 years
11 a.m.
Dairy Recipe Contest
Categories:
Main Dish
Side Dish
Salad
Dessert
All recipes must contain at least one dairy product as an ingredient. Cash prizes and shirts awarded to first-place winners.
11:30 a.m.
Ice Cream Eating Contest
Noon
Baby Show
(Wear farming/country attire)
12:30 a.m.
19th Annual Diaper Derby
Must pre-register by calling Mall business office at 473-1515.
Ages:
5 – 8 months
9 – 12 months
1:00 p.m.
Real Seal Walk
Win dairy products displaying the Real Seal
6:30 p.m.
4-H Dairy Princess Pageant