By Blake Jackson
October is Farm to School Month, and what better way to celebrate than with dairy? Dairy is a local food that is packed with nutrients and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
Most dairy farms are within 100 miles of a student's school, which means that milk can travel from the cow to the carton in just 48 hours. Milk is also a nutritious beverage that provides 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin D, protein, and vitamin B.
One way to celebrate Farm to School Month is to learn more about the dairy farms in your community. The St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC) offers a program called Moo to You!, which helps students, parents, and schools discover the dairy farms within their community. To learn more about Moo to You!, visit the SLDDC website at www.stldairycouncil.org.
Another way to celebrate Farm to School Month is to incorporate dairy into your meals and snacks. Here is a recipe for a delicious and nutritious Pumpkin Cheesecake Smoothie:
Ingredients:
- 1 can (14 oz.) pumpkin, chilled
- 3 oz. reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 container (6 oz.) low fat vanilla yogurt
- 2 cups low fat milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 2 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs, optional
Instructions:
- Place all ingredients (except graham cracker crumbs) in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour 1/6 of mixture into glasses.
- Top each serving with a teaspoon of graham cracker crumbs (optional). Enjoy!
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Dairy Cattle