BELLE — Belle High School (BHS) in the Maries County R-2 School District recently received help from local farmers in its efforts to build a healthier student body.

According to Superintendent Dr. Lenice Basham, the grant was for $1,565.08 and was awarded over the summer and received in August.

“We bought two small counter top refrigerators that they are using in the lunchroom to increase dairy foods available for students,” Basham said. “There is milk, yogurt, cheese and things that high schoolers can grab to-go with a reimbursable meal. The other refrigerator is used during the high school breakfast to make sure that milk, yogurts, smoothies and juices are served at the appropriate serving temperature.”

The school was one of 18 Missouri schools awarded a Dollars for Dairy grant to encourage students to choose nutrient-rich dairy foods during school meals. St. Louis District Dairy Council, a non-profit nutrition education organization, provides these annual grants, which are funded by local dairy farmers.

“As October is National Farm to School Month, it’s the perfect time to highlight the connections between schools and local food, like dairy,” said Jessica Kassel, nutrition educator with St. Louis District Dairy Council.

Congress declared October as National Farm to School Month in 2010. Since then, National Farm to School Month has recognized the important role local farmers play in promoting well-being among children and strong local economies.

“Dollars for Dairy is another way Missouri farmers contribute to local communities and help students make healthier choices,” Kassel said.

The 2023-24 school years marks the 12th year that Missouri schools have had the opportunity to enhance student health through the program. Last spring, 70 schools submitted proposals aimed at boosting dairy consumption in schools. After going through a competitive application review, the St. Louis District Dairy Council announced the 18 winning schools in July.

These schools are conducting a variety of projects, such as adding yogurt smoothies to breakfast menus, serving panini sandwiches and quesadillas at lunch, and using class curriculum to show students how milk can be made into yogurt and cheese. Belle High School is using the funding to buy new equipment that will better display dairy foods during breakfast.

All funded projects encourage students to make smart choices at breakfast and lunch.

“We’re excited to support local schools in their efforts to boost student health and wellness,” Kassel said. “Drinking milk and eating dairy foods makes it easy for kids to get the bone-building calcium and other nutrients their growing bodies need.