June is National Dairy and Produce Month!

Celebrate Dairy Month

When we think of dairy, many of us think of the “got milk?” ads, putting milk in our cereal, or having a glass at dinner growing up. As it turns out, dairy consumption has been promoted for generations for good reasons. Dairy is rich in calcium, as well as vitamins A, D, and B12. Eating dairy can help boost bone development in children, help maintain strong bones in adults, and dairy consumption goes beyond just having a glass of milk.

There are many ways to incorporate dairy into your diet depending on your preferences. Choosing the right milk for you and your family can sometimes feel overwhelming, as the grocery store is full of different types of milk.

• Toddlers: Whole milk supports brain development with its higher fat content.
• Adults: 1% or skim milk offers the same nutrients with fewer calories.
• Lactose intolerance or dairy allergies: Look for lactose-free milk or nut-based alternatives.

Looking for a way to get kids excited about dairy? Making yogurt parfaits together is a fun, hands-on activity that lets children choose their own toppings. They are much more likely to eat what they helped make!

Celebrate Produce Month

June is also fresh produce month! Eating fresh produce has a variety of benefits, depending on the fruit or vegetable. This summer, try shopping at local farmers markets for fresh, in-season produce. This helps support your local farmers too!

Some produce that is in season during June in the Northeast include spinach, strawberries, cherries, arugula, and asparagus. You can even get creative and add sliced strawberries to a spinach or arugula salad. Vitamin C in the berries helps your body absorb the iron in the greens, giving a natural nutritional boost.

One way to get your child excited about eating fresh produce is to read books about gardening! A great book to teach preschool age children about vegetables is One Little Lot: the 1, 2, 3s of Urban Gardening by Diane C. Mullen. This book not only teaches children about urban gardening, but also helps them practice counting, measuring, comparing quantities, and sorting. By reading about gardening and vegetables, your children can learn to better understand where food comes from and may be more willing to try some new fruits or vegetables.

Easy Ways to Enjoy Dairy and Produce This June

• Greek yogurt parfait with berries and granola
• Spinach and feta cheese omelet
• PB&J smoothie using yogurt, milk, berries, and a spoonful of peanut butter
• Tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
• Cheese sticks or yogurt tubes for an on-the-go snack