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Milk builds strong bones and provides essential nutrients, which is why it plays such an important role in children’s diets. Tomorrow (Wednesday, September 26th) is World School Milk Day and to celebrate, children throughout the UK will be drinking a cupful of the white stuff along with their local MP.

More than 150 MPs will be visiting schools and nurseries from the coast of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland to show their support for school milk by handing out milk to the children.

Dr Hilary Jones, GP, Breakfast TV Health Editor and medical adviser to Cool Milk said: “World School Milk Day is a great opportunity, not only to teach children about the nutritional benefits of milk, but it is also great to recognise the importance of milk in schools.”

World School Milk Day is organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and is celebrated in more than 30 countries around the world. The goal is to celebrate school milk on one day of the year at the same time all across the world.

In the UK, free school milk is available for children under the age of five as part of the Department of Health’s Nursery Milk Scheme and is subsidised for all other children in primary education by the European Union.

Anne Bull, LACA National Chair said:  “Milk should be an integral part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, particularly for children in their formative years.

“World School Milk Day is an ideal promotional opportunity for school caterers to encourage more children and young people to learn about the nutritional benefits of milk and for them to choose it as one of their drink options”.

Milk is one of the most nutritionally complete foods available. As well as being an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals that are essential for good health, milk can help prevent dehydration and gives an energy boost in a way that does not harm teeth, aiding concentration, memory and creativity in class.

Launched in 2000, World School Milk Day is funded in the UK by Cool Milk – the UK’s leading school milk supplier.

Cool Milk’s Managing Director John Sedgwick explained: “Cool Milk has been helping schools and nurseries across the UK, celebrate World School Milk Day since 2004 and we are delighted to be involved again this year.

“School milk offers a host of benefits to children. Not only does it provide energy and key nutrients to help them do their best, it also offers a variety of social opportunities.”

For more information on what is happening near you visit www.worldschoolmilkday.co.uk.