Dairy Council of California

The Dairy Council of California (DCC) is an esteemed organization dedicated to the promotion of balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits among the residents of California. With its core focus on dairy and its nutritional benefits, the council plays an active role in the community by offering a plethora of free nutrition education programs tailored for various age groups.

Mission and Vision

The primary objective of the Dairy Council of California is to empower individuals to make informed food choices, aligning with personal values while ensuring optimal health. This is achieved by embracing a holistic approach to nutrition, incorporating all five major food groups delineated in the USDA MyPlate food guidance system: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat and beans.

Programs and Initiatives

The DCC has rolled out a multitude of initiatives designed to promote nutrition awareness:

• Nutrition Education Programs: A series of programs are introduced in classrooms and after-school settings, providing comprehensive nutrition knowledge tailored for different age groups.
• Mobile Dairy Classroom: A standout feature, this free outdoor assembly gives participants a chance to interact with a live cow, bridging the gap between farm life and table.
• HealthyEating.org: As the digital outreach arm of DCC, this website offers a plethora of information, resources, and guidance for consumers keen on adopting healthy eating habits.
• Professional Counseling: Collaboration with health professionals ensures that individuals receive personalized nutrition advice and guidance.

Structure and Reach

Operating with a dedicated team of approximately 45 professionals, the Dairy Council of California has a robust presence across the state with four offices. The main headquarters is strategically located in Sacramento, California. Their extensive outreach has been impactful, with statistics from 2007-08 highlighting that over 10 million Californians benefited from the DCC's initiatives, ranging from classroom sessions to digital interactions via the Meals Matter website.

Funding and Governance

While the Dairy Council of California functions as a state government entity, its operations are majorly funded through assessments gathered from California’s dairy farmers and milk processors. This financial backing is systematically collected by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

Summary

The Dairy Council of California continues to be a torchbearer in the realm of nutrition education, striving to create a well-informed community that understands the importance of a balanced diet and the pivotal role dairy plays within it.

See Also

• USDA MyPlate
• California Department of Food and Agriculture
• Nutrition Education
• Dairy Farming in California

External links

• HealthyEating.org, the official Dairy Council of California website

Dairy Council of California Resources
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