World Milk Day 1 June 2019 – Raise a glass to milk!

The Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO) is once again preparing to join more than 70 countries worldwide in drinking a toast to milk when World Milk Day 2019 – #worldmilkday / #enjoydairy is celebrated with the theme “Milk: A symphony of nutrition in every drop!”

1.  World Milk Day is regarded as a highlight on the MPO’s calendar – why is it important to celebrate the day?

The dairy industry plays an important role in South Africa’s economy and makes a significant contribution towards food security. The MPO acknowledges our dairy farmers and the versatile wholesome product they produce during #worldmilkday celebrations.

2.  What is the MPO planning this year to raise a glass to milk?

i. A media campaign to create awareness about the versatility of milk.

ii. Two visits by groups of school children to Willow Valley Dairy in Rayton, where they will be told and shown where milk comes from. The children will also have the opportunity to meet calves and cows and visit the milking parlour to see how the cows are milked. Educational material compiled by Milk SA’s Consumer Education Project will be supplied to pupils and teachers.

iii. The MPO will promote milk as the best choice for a sports drink in cooperation with Milk SA’s Consumer Education Project at CrossFit Radium in Centurion. Milk from Clover and flavoured milk from Woodlands will be distributed to each tired CrossFit participant during the afternoon classes.

iv. On 1 June the MPO and Milk SA’s Consumer Education Project will visit the Irene Athletics Club during their pre-Comrades marathon function to tell athletes how beneficial milk is before and after races. Each Comrades participant will receive a Woodlands chocolate-flavoured milk in the goodie bags they’re taking with to the marathon.

3.  Why is milk such an excellent sports beverage?

Milk is an excellent source of energy – it’s a powerful fuel, it supports recovery from sports injuries, and helps to build muscle. The electrolytes and carbohydrates in milk make it the ideal recovery drink after intensive training sessions.

4.  How can the rest of us celebrate World Milk Day?

The value of milk and milk products in a healthy lifestyle can be celebrated through various activities such as:

• Sharing selfies, photographs, and videos of people enjoying milk shakes, cappuccino’s, smoothies, and milk products on social media – #worldmilkday on 1 June.
• Preparing special meals with only dairy products on the menu.
• Visiting a dairy farm.
• Donating dairy products to welfare organisations.
• Taking photographs of calves and cows and sharing them on social media – #worldmilkday on 1 June.

Join the MPO in raising a glass to milk on 1 June!
Enquiries: Barbara Bieldt, barbara@mpo.co.za or 083 235 2629.