New England Dairy is your voice to build trust in and sales of dairy. USDA data shows annual per-person dairy consumption has grown by 73 pounds (milk equivalent) since the dairy check-off begin in 1983.
We achieve this growth locally through our main program areas below.
In the 2018-19 school year, we provided $356,950 in equipment grants to 143 schools across New England. All schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply for grants, which are awarded on a competitive basis. Staff provide increased technical assistance to target districts, which are identified by size and increased opportunity to grow dairy sales.
Our grants from the 2017-18 school year resulted in a 14% increase in milk sales (additional 215,000 milk pounds) and a 29% increase in breakfast participation (about 122,500 additional breakfasts) in granted schools.
In 2019, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Fuel Up to Play 60. As a partnership between National Dairy Council and the National Football League, Fuel Up to Play 60 is the largest in-school wellness program in the country. In New England, there are 3,600 schools enrolled in the program (91% of New England students).
Survey results show students who are involved with Fuel Up to Play 60 eat more dairy than students who are not in the program. They are more likely to like milk and yogurt and think it’s healthy. They also have a greater interest in learning about dairy farming and rate farmers higher on caring for animals and the environment.
Source: The relationship between FUTP60 awareness/engagement and teen attitudes toward dairy and dairy farming, Oct/Nov. 2017
People have always heard that they should drink milk and eat dairy. Now they’re starting to hear and see things that make them question whether dairy really is good for them and the planet. Through our marketing and communications program—campaigns, social media, experiences, news media—we are helping consumers reconnect with dairy to clear up doubts and misinformation.
The results from a recent marketing campaign in the Boston area shows our efforts are changing minds. In a post-campaign survey, 63% of our target audience said they would purchase more dairy products after hearing and seeing our campaign.
In 2019 we hosted 27 dairy farm tours for over 500 people. Over half the people we bring to dairy farms are health professionals and university students in the field of dietetics and nutrition. As a result of these tours, 83% say they are more likely to recommend dairy to others, and their positivity about dairy farming increased by 35 percentage points.
We work with leading health professional organizations to educate them about dairy’s role in a balanced diet. We equip them to answer their client’s and patient’s questions accurately.
Learn more about the results of our work in New England Dairy’s 2021 Annual Report. You’ll read how our dedicated staff put their expertise to work to achieve the 2021 program goals.
View & DownloadYour national checkoff organization which works to increase sales and demand for dairy through research, education and innovation.
Learn MoreA non-profit organization dedicated to providing science-based research and education about dairy's nutrition and health benefits.
Learn MoreAn industry-level effort to ensure an economically viable and socially responsible U.S. dairy community from farm to table.
Learn MoreDriving global demand and increasing market access for U.S. dairy products and ingredients.
Learn MoreThe nation's largest in-school nutrition and physical activity program in partnership with the NFL.
Learn MoreWe are looking for farmers who want to share their stories with students, health professionals, and consumers.
Have a question or want to get involved? Contact us.
In Vermont and New Hampshire: Elicia Pinsonault
In Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island: Jennifer Schenkel
General questions: info@newenglanddairy.com