Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham marked World Milk Day yesterday, and showed his support for the continued availability of milk in schools, with a visit to Oakdene Primary School.
World Milk Day highlights the health and educational benefits of milk in schools, and encourages more children to drink milk. In the UK, children under five in childcare or primary school can get a free portion of milk through the Nursery Milk Scheme, while children aged five to 11 currently get subsidised milk through the EU School Fruit, Vegetables and Milk scheme – although it is unclear if Brexit will affect this in the future.
Schools and nurseries across the country have been taking part in a variety of activities to mark the day. Acting as ‘milk monitor’, Alex served the milk and shared a glass with the children of Oakdene Primary.
Alex said:
“I’m proud to support World Milk Day and the Nursery Milk Scheme, which plays a notable role in keeping our young children healthy. It been 71 years since the 1946 School Milk Act was introduced to provide children with what was then an important boost to their restricted diet. Many still need it today, so it is essential the matter isn’t allowed to quietly drop – it’s vital that the Government makes necessary arrangements to replace the school milk funding we currently receive from the EU”
