School Milk Bars reach landmark

FIRST MILK and the Milk Development Council have celebrated the 1000th Milk Bar to be introduced in schools across England and Wales.

Since the scheme began in 2002 over £3m has been invested in schools through the scheme and 1m children now have access to milk on a daily basis.

The celebration was commemorated by the attendance of leading Welsh girl band, Dragonheart, at the Cardinal Newman RC comprehensive in Pontypridd.

The girls, who were joined by Mayor Alby Davies, delighted the unsuspecting school children with an exclusive performance before taking time out to chat with pupils over a glass of milk.

“We’ve had so much fun today. I wish there was a milk bar at my school, they’re such a great idea,” said one half of Dragonheart, Nikki.

Dennis Gray, First Milk School Milk Bar Executive added: “School meals are high on the agenda at the moment across the UK, so it’s fantastic to be able to show that you can make a positive impact.”

In addition to the 1000 in England and Wales there are a further 1300 in Scotland, with more planned for the future.

Typically milk consumption in schools where Milk Bars are installed rises by about 50% during the initial few months before stabilising at about 33%.