Tennessee Schools Deploy Portable Milk Dispensers to Boost Student Nutrition

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, has introduced the first portable milk dispenser system in Tennessee schools through a partnership with Kingsport City School District and Sullivan County. The Udderly Cold Portable Milk Dispenser, designed specifically for K–12 schools, represents a significant innovation in how students access and consume milk during school meals.

The system maintains milk at a consistent 35 degrees, which enhances flavor and encourages higher consumption among students. The compact yet powerful dispenser holds up to 25 gallons of bulk milk bags, with the capability to connect multiple bags for triple capacity. This design allows the system to dispense up to 400 perfectly portioned 8 oz servings before product rotation is needed, giving students the ability to pour their desired amount while enjoying ice-cold real milk from cups.

Funding for this initiative came through an Endowment Grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. During the ribbon cutting ceremony at John Sevier Middle School, local leaders emphasized the dual benefits for students and dairy farmers. Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, a 10th-generation dairy farmer, stated that milk dispensers in schools represent a win for both students and farmers, keeping milk fresh and high-quality while reducing waste and ensuring students receive the best possible milk daily.

The program marks an important advancement in supporting student health and sustainable nutrition practices. Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, highlighted how this innovative delivery method helps schools incorporate nutritious dairy into daily meals and encourages lifelong healthy habits. She emphasized that partnerships between schools, local leaders, and dairy farmers can spark meaningful change in student wellness through initiatives like the Udderly Cold Mobile Milk Dispenser.

Nutrition concerns drove the implementation of these dispensers, according to Jennifer Walker, RD, Kingsport City School Nutrition Director. She expressed particular concern about teenage girls not consuming enough milk during critical bone development years, noting that milk serves as the number one source of calcium in children's and teens' diets. The new dispensers were strategically placed in schools to encourage all students to enjoy milk with their reimbursable meals and ensure access to the health benefits milk provides.

Kingsport City Schools Assistant Superintendent Dr. R. Andrew True expressed gratitude to The Dairy Alliance and Udderly Cold for bringing this innovative milk delivery system to the district, noting that innovation becomes particularly exciting when it directly impacts student health and wellbeing in positive and meaningful ways. The success of this program has already inspired expansion, with Hardin County Schools in Savannah, TN implementing a similar Udderly Cold milk dispenser at Northside Elementary School.

This innovative approach to milk service continues to maximize access and consumption across Tennessee schools. By bringing real dairy milk directly to students through modern dispensing technology, The Dairy Alliance enhances access to healthy beverages, encourages balanced nutrition, and supports overall wellness. For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.