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Milk Makes The Dream Work

 

If your family is like mine, there are a few items you must purchase weekly or else your world falls apart. In my house, it's oranges (or green apples), a dessert (because chocolate), and milk. The last one is worthy of a repeat... MILK

Two to four gallons of milk are consumed between us weekly. I'm not kidding. I'm not exaggerating. My milk-obsessed family has almost gotten into arguments over the stuff. Milk is the driving force behind so many of the things we do. 

From protein shakes after a good sweat, to school lunches, recipes, cereal before soccer practice, and chocolate chip cookie hangouts, milk makes the dream work! We are an active family who relies on vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients daily. Milk is a convenient option for us.

During check-ups, our pediatrician asks how much milk my daughters are drinking. While he stresses the importance of it, I look at him like he's crazy. I have children flipping off of couches, jumping from all things climbable, using my DVDs to workout, running wild during park play, and chasing soccer balls across fields and through our home regularly.

Trust me, I know the importance of strong, healthy bones very well! 

I'm grateful to have nutritious options at home but especially in our schools. I don't take for granted that our schools offer healthy items that support growing, active kids. As a mother, I also pay attention to the brands and organizations who make other people's well-being a priority.

Heifer International reflects that very quality.The organization understands the importance of proper nutrition. They are knowledgeable concerning the value of products like milk and how it benefits kids, their families, and communities.

Heifer doesn't just talk the talk, they milk the cow, literally!  

Partnering with Heifer to bring more awareness to their school milk feeding program in Tanzania was a no-brainer for me. They are fully dedicated to changing the lives of 9,000 students in the Njombe, Iringa, Mbeya, and Songwe regions. I consider that an honorable cause.

 

(Photos are property of Heifer International)

Heifer International has worked with dairy farmers to increase milk production through their Tanzania program, since 2008. In July 2017, the Heifer School Milk Feeding Program was officially launched. They have a "cow to classroom" concept that addresses malnutrition and poverty one student at a time. 

Each student receives a 200ml packet of pasteurized milk daily (Mon-Fri) for the entire school year. At the least, that's a quarter of the daily calcium requirement for kids. I'm no expert, nor is my family in this kind of situation, but I believe this is a help to those who are.

What I appreciate most about the program is its alignment with Heifer's overall mission: to improve the lives of others long term. Heifer isn't giving handouts but instead, bringing impoverished communities together in a way that provides viable commerce and agriculture to the residents and regions. They teach families self-reliance that can last for generations. 

Check out one of their graphics below to get a better understanding of how the "cow to classroom" concept works.

 

 

Now that you've been introduced to Heifer International (www.heifer.org) and what the organization does, you can imagine how much work is involved. Changing lives isn't an easy task! Heifer relies on government agencies, farmers, school districts, and donations to achieve its goals. 

September 27th is World School Milk Day. It's a day to celebrate and show appreciation for the health benefits of school milk programs. I didn't know this, but it's true. Just ask Google!

In lieu of the things I've learned through Heifer, I plan to celebrate the day with my family as well. If you'd like to do the same, here are a few ideas:

1) Buy milk from a local market (you know you need it), bake cookies, and discuss the health benefits of milk with your kids.

2) Converse in-depth about milk supply & malnutrition for kids in impoverished areas, while sharing Heifer's work to change that reality.

3) Make a donation to Heifer's School Milk Feeding Program as a family and allow your kids to explain why you're doing it.

 

Everyone's financial situation is unique but if you're able and if donating is your kind of thing, click here. Any size donation is accepted. ANY size. $75 will provide fresh milk daily for a student for an entire school year. When broken down, that's 40 cents per day.

Pretty cool!

But remember, if you choose to donate, do it based on your personal situation. Again, any size donation is accepted (and greatly appreciated, I'm sure!).

 

ONE LAST THING...

Please be sure to Facebook share and retweet this post! Each time you do, Women Online will donate $1 (up to $2,000) to the cause. That's incredible and will definitely help families in need through Heifer's School Milk Feeding Program. 

If you've made it this far, you rock! I appreciate you taking the time to read this post, learn about a great organization, and discover how YOU can change the world in a small but mighty way! Also, a huge thanks to Heifer for allowing me to participate in this fantastic cause.

To reach out to Heifer and learn more about the organization's journey, follow their social media channels. I've made it easy for you and posted the links below.