News release

Milking better health in schools

Over 6000 pupils from West Lothian will be given free milk after returning from their Easter break.

All P1 - P3 pupils throughout the region's 66 primary schools will benefit from the initiative, which is part of West Lothian Council?s aim in encouraging a healthy lifestyle for younger people.

It was first announced in February 2008 that free milk would be provided to school children, and is one of the council administration?s budget initiatives.

Executive councillor for education, Andrew Miller, said: "West Lothian Council are putting more money into important local services such as police, health, social care and of course our schools and school children.

"Our decision to provide free milk to all P1 - P3 pupils emphasises our commitment to installing a healthy living ethos into our young people.

"Milk is a simple and natural product providing many benefits to a healthy diet, especially for the younger generation.  If young people learn the benefits of healthy eating and drinking at an early age it will hopefully stay with them into adulthood."

Pupils from Polkemmet Primary School lapped up a visit from Charlotte the Cow during a visit this week. Charlotte is from Dairyco's School Milk Project and moseyed into the school to help pupils celebrate.

Claire Doyle, school milk project facilitator, added: "We are delighted that West Lothian Council has taken this step and introduced free milk to P1 - P3 pupils.

"We aim to increase the uptake of milk in primary schools, which is of enormous nutritional benefit to a child's every day dietary intake. The School Milk Project liaises with schools, local education authorities and Healthy Schools Co-coordinators to make introduction of school milk a reality."

For more information on how to bring 'Charlotte' to your school call The School Milk Project on 0870 241 2693 or contact your local facilitator.

Date: 08-04-2008