San Juan. – The National Council for the Regulation and Promotion of the Dairy Industry (
CONALECHE) celebrated World School Milk Day at the Mercedes Consuelo Matos school, in the province of San Juan, with the participation of 180 elementary school students.
This date, established in the year 2000 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is commemorated every year on the last Wednesday of September to promote milk consumption in childhood and highlight its importance in the physical and intellectual development of children.
During the central event, the executive director of CONALECHE, Miguel Laureano, explained that each year the institution selects a province to carry out this celebration, and that on this occasion San Juan was chosen for its outstanding role in national milk production.
“San Juan, in addition to being known as the Granary of the South, is one of the provinces with the highest milk production in the country, with 14 associations of ranchers and a livestock industry that has been constantly improving,” said Laureano.
The day included educational talks and interactive dynamics focused on children’s nutrition, led by Mariana Furakis, a licensed professional in charge of the Technical Dairy Department of CONALECHE.
Furakis explained that milk is an essential source of high biological value proteins and multiple vitamins (A, D, B1, B2, B3, B12, folic acid), as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
He also offered recommendations on daily milk consumption according to life stage:
From 1 to 3 years old: minimum 2 servings per day
From 4 to 8 years old: 3 servings daily
From 9 to 18 years old: up to 4 servings daily
Older adults and breastfeeding women: also up to 4 servings per day
Each serving is equivalent to a 200-milliliter glass.
He also encouraged the consumption of derivatives such as cheese, yogurt, and other products made with cow’s milk.
For his part, INABIE nutritionist Federico Pezzi highlighted the role of milk in children’s health, pointing out its fundamental contribution to the prevention of diseases such as osteoporosis, osteopenia and muscle disorders, as well as its positive effect on energy metabolism.
“Milk is essential in the daily diet, due to its high calcium content it helps strengthen bones and muscles, and contributes to avoiding fatigue and other problems related to mobility,” said Pezzi.
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The event also included recreational activities such as dances, contests, and gift-giving, and concluded with a tasting of dairy products for all attendees.
The celebration was led by communicator Laura Merán, and was attended by local authorities and representatives of the livestock sector, including: Dr. Robert Pallano, representing Governor Ana María Castillo; Yajaira Reyes, on behalf of Mayor Lenin Rosa; the deputy director of the educational center, Francisco De León; the president of the Southern Cattlemen’s Association, Wander Adames; the president of the COPESUR Cooperative, Ramón Martínez, and the regional director of Livestock, Miguel Ramírez.
