*(for children over 2 years of age)

Switching to 1% or fat free milk is one of the easiest ways to assure that children over the age of 2 years get the calcium and vitamin D that they need, while reducing their saturated fat intake and heart disease risk. 1% and fat free milk have the same great nutrition as whole and 2% milk--- just less fat!!!!

Whole and 2% milk are leading sources of fat in children's diets. Did you know that one cup of whole milk has the same amount of saturated fat as 5 strips of bacon, or two donuts or a hot dog or a fast food hamburger? 2% milk is not low fat. One cup has as much unhealthy fat as 3 strips of bacon. Only 1% and fat free milk are low fat.

Developing healthy eating habits in childhood helps prevent health problems such as obesity, heart disease, cancer and stroke. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that children over 2 years of age choose a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. Remember children between the ages of 12 and 24 months need the fat from whole milk or breast milk to develop a healthy nervous system.

So you may ask how do I get children to try 1% or fat free milk? Consider conducting milk taste tests. Have small cups of different types of milk available for tasting. Blindfold the children and have them tell you which type of milk they think they are drinking. They will be surprised to find that without looking at the milk they will have a hard time tasting the difference between the types of milk.

So make the "moo've to 1% or fat free milk!!! Contact you Child Care Health Program Nutrition Consultant for more information on making the "moo've.