User:Mkbligh/Dairy Council of California

Dairy Council of California

Dairy Council of California provides free nutrition education programs in California to educators and health professionals. Teaching the importance of planning and consuming a healthy diet that includes nutrient-rich foods, Dairy Council’s programs are available for teachers to use for grades K-12 as well as after-school. A variety of programs are also available in  Spanish and English for health professionals to distribute to their clients, and Dairy Council hosts the meal planning and healthy living website, MealsMatter.org.

History and Mission

For nearly 90 years, Dairy Council of California has been an innovator and leader in nutrition education. Their primary goal is to enhance the health and well-being of children and adults by enabling individuals to make healthful food and lifestyle choices. Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that are easy to use and lead to healthy food choices and optimal health.

Staffed by registered dietitians, health educators, and communication specialists, Dairy Council of California has four regional offices throughout the state: Sacramento, Oakland, Culver City, and Irvine. Dairy Council of California is a state government entity funded by California’s dairy producers and processors.

Nutrition Philosophy

The nutrition education programs use a food grouping system to teach children and adults how to make healthy food choices. Dairy Council embraces a nutrition approach based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA's MyPyramid food guidance system. The programs reflect the following ideals:

•	a focus on nutrient-rich foods as primary choices, including low-fat and nonfat dairy, whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables and lean meats

•	recognition that all foods can be part of a healthful diet when balanced over time, using the principles of moderation and variety

•	individual choice in food and lifestyle decisions

•	appreciation of culturally, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse populations

•	the importance of taste and enjoyment of foods as factors in food selection

Education Philosophy

Dairy Council of California strives to be on the leading edge in applying the latest, proven educational methodologies. Their individualized learning model (ILM) supports multiple learning styles. The ILM integrates multiple factors that support learning and personal decision making, including developmental and motivational considerations. Acquisition of knowledge alone is not the endpoint, nor is a positive change in attitude. Rather, achieving and sustaining positive behavior change is the desired outcome of their programs. Truly effective nutrition education works best one person at a time - when individuals are educated to make the best food choices for themselves and their families, and can clearly see how to put their choices into action. Technology is a delivery medium that has inherent features that can improve the learning process and content must be firmly based in educational theory.

Programs - Overview

Dairy Council of California creates nutrition education programs that are easy to use, readily accessible and lead to healthy food and physical activity choices. They provide free programs and resource materials to educators and health professionals in California, and their printed materials are available for purchase in states other than California. The school programs connect to core curriculum making it easy for teachers to teach nutrition education while teaching California content standards. The programs are formatted to optimize learning – through print, CD-ROM, or web-based instruction. Dairy Council relies on recent brain research to support program development; teaching principles that support effective learning are embedded into educational programs.

Education Programs

Dairy Council of California currently offers a variety of programs for grades K-12. The link below will connect to a website profiling each of their seven programs for children and adolescents. http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/Educators/ClassroomPrograms/Default.aspx

Health Care Provider Programs

Dairy Council of California offers five self-instructional programs that health professionals can use with their clients in a variety of settings. All of the materials listed have been field tested and are appropriate for one-on-one instruction, group classes or a resource handout, and all are available in English and Spanish. The link below will connect to a website profiling each of their five programs for adults. http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/HealthProfessionals/ClientPrograms/Default.aspx

Meals Matter

Dairy Council has a consumer website called Meals Matter. The site includes interactive activities for children and adults, several meal planning tools, an extensive recipe collection, and articles and tips on living a healthy life.

Dairy Council of California Website

Visit Dairy Council’s of California’s website for more information, downloadable handouts, and interactive activities.