Better Milk for Virginia Students, Less Waste for Our Schools.
The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association is proud to partner with Virginia schools to expand bulk milk dispensers across the Commonwealth.
Overview
LATEST NEWS: VSDA Secures $115,000 to Expand Milk Dispenser Program FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bridgewater, VA – The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association (VSDA) is excited to announce it has received a $115,000 grant from the Van der Lely Foundation to expand the use of bulk milk dispensers in school cafeterias across the Commonwealth.
This investment marks a major step forward in helping more Virginia schools transition from single-use milk cartons to a cleaner, greener, and more student-friendly way of serving milk. With the foundation’s support, VSDA will provide milk dispensers and sustainable storage equipment to additional school districts beginning in 2026.
“This support from the Van der Lely Foundation accelerates a project that’s already proving its value in Virginia schools. We’re seeing less waste, higher milk consumption, and an overwhelmingly positive response from school staff and students. It’s a simple change with a big impact.” "We’re grateful to the Van der Lely Foundation for believing in this work and helping us scale something that benefits kids, farmers, and the environment." — Eric Paulson, Executive Director of VSDA
About VSDA The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association is the statewide voice for dairy farmers, working to strengthen an industry that has shaped Virginia’s rural communities since 1907. We are committed to ensuring a profitable and sustainable dairy industry across the Commonwealth.
About the Van der Lely Foundation An independent initiative of the Van der Lely family, the foundation supports entrepreneurship and innovation in education, sustainability, and healthcare.
Project Goals:
- Expand Reach: Support 18 additional cities and counties.
- Timeline: The effort runs from January 2026 through July 2027.
- Strengthen Connections: Deepen the bond between Virginia students and the local dairy farms that feed their communities.
Why Switch to Bulk Milk?
Switching from traditional cartons to bulk milk dispensers isn't just a trend—it’s a proven upgrade for nutrition and sustainability.
- Students Drink More Milk
- Better Taste: Dispensers keep milk at a constant, cold temperature (around 35°F), which significantly improves taste compared to cartons.
- Proven Results: In early pilot schools like Bluestone Elementary, overall milk consumption rose by more than 50% after installation.
- Student Choice: Students love the "grown-up" feel of pouring their own milk and the ability to mix white and chocolate milk to control sugar intake.
- Drastic Waste Reduction
- Eliminate Cartons: One school saw milk packaging waste drop by nearly 90% by volume.
- Less Milk Wasted: While students take more milk, they waste less of what they take because they enjoy the flavor and temperature.
- Environmental Impact: This shift helps schools move away from single-use packaging that often ends up in landfills.
- Cutting-Edge Technology
Through partnerships like those with The Dairy Alliance, we are introducing innovations like the "Udderly Cold" Portable Milk Dispenser.
- Flexibility: These portable stainless-steel units allow schools to serve milk anywhere—cafeterias, hallways, or outdoor events.
- Efficiency: Designed to hold high-capacity bulk bags, these dispensers reduce the frequency of refills and simplify kitchen logistics.
- Quality Assurance: The technology ensures every glass served is fresh, ice-cold, and appealing to students.
Success Stories
Real feedback from Virginia schools.
Case Study: Bluestone Elementary School
- The Challenge: High volume of carton waste and lower milk consumption.
- The Solution: Installed bulk milk dispensers and reusable cups.
- The Result: A 91% reduction in packaging waste and a 52% increase in milk consumption.
Contact
Ready to transform your school cafeteria? For more information about the milk dispenser project or to learn how your district can participate, please contact us.
Email: info@vsdaonline.com Address: P.O. Box 29, Bridgewater, VA 22812