Colby FFA provides much-needed dairy with milk machine

Milk consumption in the United States has decreased by 39 percent over the past forty years. That is a huge concern for not only dairy farmers but people’s health.

Studies show that teenagers in particular are not consuming enough milk or dairy products. Teenagers should be drinking at least three cups of milk each day or the equivalent in another dairy product.

This is just one reason why Colby FFA continues to supply students and guests at Colby High School with milk through their milk machine, located in the high school lobby.

The milk machine, which is located right outside the high school gymnasium, offers a variety of dairy products including kefir and milk. Flavored milks and kefirs provide a delicious snack for busy students and those who attend events in the high school. Available flavors include chocolate, strawberry and white milk and raspberry and strawberry kefir. For those unfamiliar with kefir, it is a drinkable yogurt that is produced by Weber’s Farm Store in Marshfield.

Giving students a variety of options makes them more likely to find something they would like to actually drink. While the variety is nice, the kefirs also play an important role in student nutrition, as they can serve as a quick substitute for a meal such as breakfast. Kids who don’t have time for breakfast at home or need a quick snack between classes can stop and purchase a kefir to keep their brains operating in quality condition.

Chocolate milk also provides quality nutrition for athletes, as many studies have shown that chocolate milk replenishes your body better than sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade.

According to UAMS Health, drinking chocolate milk helps tired muscles and helps consumers replenish energy.

Besides beverages, the new milk machine, which was purchased through the generous support of community donors, will also sell cheese curds, something Colby FFA members are excited to add to the fundraiser.

All of the dairy products in the milk machine come from Weber’s Farm Store and Nasonville Dairy in Marshfield, helping to support local farmers.

The Colby FFA Chapter and the students at Colby High School credit Bob’s Dairy Supply in Dorchester for making a new and improved milk machine a reality, and Weber’s Farm Store Nasonville Dairy for supplying all of the dairy products. Students wouldn’t be able to enjoy the fresh cheese curds, flavored milk, and kefir if it wasn’t for those businesses.