The dairy checkoff has introduced “Smart Swaps,” a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations. The farmer-founded National Dairy Council created Smart Swaps, which helps school nutrition professionals to include dairy in breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy. “We have reimagined what’s possible with delicious, dairy-centric menu items,” said Alyson Kirchner, senior vice president of youth and schools for Dairy Management, Inc. “These menu options are aligned with the new added sugar and sodium guidelines while ensuring students receive the nutrient-rich foods they love and need.” Student preferences were included in the development of Smart-Swaps recipes, with 2,500 students nationwide testing menu offerings like Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, a Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowl, and Broccoli, Egg, and Cheese Pizza, among others. “This is dairy’s big opportunity,” said Katie Bambacht of the NDC.
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