Graphic arts lesson wins grant for high school

Loudon County High school teacher, Kris Peterson, has taken her graphic arts students to a new high! The class “got milk?” poster project became a winner of a $5000 grant from SUDIA in support of 3 a Day of Dairy education.

Students were responsible for researching the “got milk?” ad campaigns, conducting student surveys and working in tandem with the culinary arts students to provide incentives- cookies- to sell with milk from the vending machine in their school. The entire project has become such a great success that Ms Peterson decided to continue it for another year and expand it even more.

The 3-A-Day of Dairy grant is funded by dairy farmers to promote the integration of nutrition education into standard learning opportunities. With the funds from the grant, teachers have been able to expand the nutrition education for students to promote healthier lifestyles and to teach the benefits of dairy foods in the diet. Ms Peterson has also been invited to highlight the success of her program to teachers and other groups of educators and parents. She hopes to see this program expand to more schools across the country as a successful way to teach graphic arts, as well as good nutrition.

At a time when obesity statistics are soaring, it is critical for students to learn healthy nutrition and to make milk the beverage of choice. Research shows that only 30 percent of American youth are consuming the needed three servings a day of dairy foods, milk, yogurt and cheese. The vitamins and minerals provided by dairy foods are critical to healthy bones and bodies.

If you are interested in placing a milk vending machine in your school, contact SUDIA at 800-343-4693.