Dr Hilary Launches New National Health Initiative

News Release

29th November 2011

A national health initiative is being launched at a school in Nottinghamshire on 5th December 2013 by TV health editor Dr Hilary Jones GP.

The campaign, being run by leading school milk supplier Cool Milk in partnership with the Children’s Food Trust (CFT), aims to give children at Key Stage 1 a greater understanding of where milk comes from and why it’s good for us.

As part of The Cool Milk Show children will be shown an interactive DVD and take part in lessons developed by the CFT in line with the national curriculum. They’ll also be given a storybook written by award-winning author Caryl Hart to take home and read with their parents.

During the launch at Awsworth Primary School Dr Hilary will talk to the children and explain how milk gives them healthy teeth and bones, helps them grow stronger and improves their concentration.

“Milk is a very important part of overall nutrition for children,” explained Dr Hilary, “which is just one of the many reasons why I’m so keen to support this campaign.

“It also provides them with a wide variety of minerals, vitamins, protein and other nutrients to keep them healthy. It is absolutely packed with nutrients and while children are drinking milk they’re less likely to consume sugary drinks such as fruit juice and fizzy drinks.”

Cool Milk currently supplies over 8,500 primary schools from Land’s End to John O’Groats with school milk.

Managing Director John Sedgwick said: “Children between the ages of five and 11 are entitled to subsidised milk which is funded by the European Union, but many children are missing out on their entitlement.

“We decided to launch this initiative, which is the only one of its kind in the UK, to encourage more primary school children to drink milk. Milk is one of the few drinks permitted in schools in England under the government's nutrient-based standards and we’re delighted to be working alongside the CFT which advises local and national government on children’s food issues.”

ENDS

Photo/interview opportunity

Members of the media are invited to attend the launch of The Cool Milk Show at Awsworth Primary School at 2.30pm on 5thDecember 2013. To confirm your attendance please contact Kate Strawson on 01522 528540 or email kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk

Notes to editors

School milk

• In the UK every child under the age of five in a day care or early years setting for two or more hours a day is entitled to a free 189ml serving of milk. Children over the age of five in primary education are entitled to subsidised milk.

• Milk is a great source of nearly every vitamin and mineral of nutritional importance to humans, especially for children of a young age.
• For the top ten reasons to drink school milk go to www.coolmilk.com/whyschoolmilk

Cool Milk

• Cool Milk is one of the UK’s leading school milk suppliers and works in partnership with local authorities nationwide, serving thousands of children with fresh milk daily.
• Its aim is to provide every child in early years and primary education with the opportunity to drink fresh milk every day.
• The Cool Milk scheme is administration-friendly and cost-free and is designed to make providing school milk quick and simple for schools and nurseries.
• For more information visit www.coolmilk.com

Kate Strawson
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
kate@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @KateStrawson

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