This food group includes all liquid milk products and many foods made from milk.  The foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group.   Cream cheese, cream, and butter are not part of this group.

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dairy Association program (3-A-Day) recommends 3 daily servings of milk, cheese or yogurt for stronger bones and healthy bodies.  One cup of milk or 1.5 ounces of chesse equals one serving of dairy.

Products from the Milk Group helps build and maintain bone mass.  It provides us with vitamins A, D, and B12, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein.

How can you get your children to consume more milk and milk products?   Here are a few ways to add more milk and milk products to your child’s diet:

•Use skim milk instead of water to make oatmeal.
•Include string cheese in your child’s lunch.
•Use yogurt to make a dip for vegetables.
•Make pudding with skim milk.