MOO-tivated to Drink More Milk

According to the Center for Disease Control, 41.4 % of Kentucky youth consume sugar sweetened beverages each day.  The Center for Disease Control reported the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with parents’ lack of knowledge of the health risks associated with these beverages.

The Director of an after-school program observed the students drinking an abundance of fruit flavored drinks, sports drinks, and soda pop.

The Boyd County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant was contacted by the Director expressing concern over the poor beverage choices of the students.   The SNAP-Ed Assistant partnered with the after-school program teaching monthly classes using PROFESSOR POPCORN curriculum, with an emphasis on the dairy food group and the importance of drinking milk.

During the program students participated in the National Dairy Association virtual “Adopt-a-Calf”.  The calf was born in September and students received monthly updates on the growth of their calf.  They received coloring books, puzzles, and other materials teaching them about milk from farm to table.  The students were given color changing cups to encourage them to drink more milk.   The SNAP -Ed Assistant sent home recipes for the families to try together using dairy products and to educate the caregivers about the importance of cutting down on sugar sweetened beverages.

The post survey results showed participants had shown a 52% positive change in drinking les sugar sweetened beverage such as fruit flavored drinks or sports drinks and a 29% improvement in drinking less soda or pop.  Over 90% said their ability to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations had improved.  Also, over 78% said they drank more milk because “they liked to watch their cups change color”.