All public school districts are required to have school wellness policies that include nutrition education, physical activity and nutrition guidelines for all foods sold in schools. In developing and implementing these policies, school districts bring the school community together as a team to create healthier school environments.

Milk and other dairy products can, and should be, an important part of a School Wellness Policy. School wellness policies aligned with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have their foundations in place to encourage students to eat nutrient-rich foods and increase physical activity.  The DGA recommends three daily servings of low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese or yogurt and calls out the Milk Group as a "Food Group to Encourage" — along with fruits/vegetables and whole grains. Milk is a complete nutrient package with nine essential nutrients and supplies three of the five nutrients the DGA identifies as low in children's diets: calcium, magnesium and potassium.