Chef Ann Foundation Awards 29 Grants to U.S. School Districts to Transition to Bulk Milk Systems

Philanthropy

Sep 9

BOULDER, Colo., September 6, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) – The Chef Ann Foundation announced it has awarded 29 grants to 15 K-12 school districts across the United States as part of its Bulk Milk program, marking the initiative's second consecutive year. The grants will provide school districts with equipment, materials, and training to implement a bulk milk serving system, aimed at reducing food and packaging waste.

The awarded districts include Petersburg School District (AK), Willows Unified School District (CA), Ocean View School District (CA), San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District (CA), Shady Creek Outdoor School (CA), Santa Clara Unified School District (CA), Weld County School District (CO), Colorado Charter School Institute (CO), Cannon Falls Independent School District (MN), Minneapolis Public School District (MN), Explore Academy Charter School (NM), Ithaca School District (NY), Groton Central School District (NY), Franklin Special School District (TN), and Suffolk Public School District (VA).

According to the Chef Ann Foundation, the program addresses a significant source of food waste in schools. Schools are required by USDA guidelines to serve milk with every meal, which typically results in the use of single-serve cartons or bottles. The foundation estimates that around 45 million gallons of milk are discarded annually in schools across the country, contributing to substantial waste. Bulk milk dispensers allow students to take only the amount of milk they need, significantly reducing waste.

Beth Brewster, Supervisor of Food Services at Caroline County Schools in Maryland, where the program has been implemented, stated, “We had more than 360,000 fewer cartons go into the landfill last year. There has been less [liquid milk] waste as well since the students only take the amount they want and actually drink it.”

In addition to waste reduction, the Chef Ann Foundation emphasizes that bulk milk systems are cost-effective. Schools can save on packaging and disposal costs and reinvest those savings into higher-quality milk, such as organic options. “We want schools to see bulk milk as an opportunity, not just a waste reduction measure,” said Laura Smith, Executive Director of Programs at the Chef Ann Foundation. “It's a chance to serve fresher, more sustainable milk while saving money.”

The foundation’s Bulk Milk Equipment program is supported by funding from the Elevance Health Foundation and the Posner Foundation. For more information, visit www.chefannfoundation.org.

Source: Chef Ann Foundation via Newswire