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The days are long, and the weather is warm. Summer months are marked by days at the pool, sunshine, and all the barbeques and picnics you can fit on your calendar.

Whether you’re going on an evening drive for an ice cream cone, grilling up some cheeseburgers with the neighbors, or preparing a Pinterest-worthy dip to take to a family Fourth of July party, dairy is intrinsically a part of our summer traditions.

"Dairy foods bring nutrition and great taste to the homes of millions," says Jenny Hubble, senior vice president of communications for American Dairy Association Mideast. "It's hard to think of summer memories that don't involve dairy."

Despite it being an icon of summer, the majority of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of dairy in their diets.

Delivering necessary nutrients

According to a 2015 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 86% of Americans consume less than the recommended three cups of dairy per day. 

“Packed with protein, carbohydrates and important vitamins and minerals, dairy foods are nutrient-rich powerhouses that help fuel the body and contribute to a well-balanced diet,” says Hubble. “It is concerning that so many Americans are not getting the suggested amount of dairy—and its associated nutrients—in their diets.”

Just one serving of milk provides a considerable amount of daily recommend values of essential vitamins and nutrients, including 25% of calcium, 16% of protein, 50% of vitamin B12, and 15% of vitamin D.

Undeniably dairy

To raise awareness about the benefits of dairy and the conscientious farming and production standards, the dairy community launched a national campaign earlier this month called Undeniably Dairy, in concurrence with National Dairy Month.

“We know that consumers are not getting the recommended amount of dairy in their diets, and we wanted to bring that to light,” says Hubble. “We also wanted to share information about the sustainable production practices in the dairy community.”

Locally sourced, responsibly produced

Now, more than ever, people want to know where their food is coming from. The cheese, milk, butter, and other dairy products you're consuming are locally sourced and responsibly produced. Ohio is home to over 2,400 dairy farms, the majority of which are family-owned.

“Ohio’s dairy farming communities work hard to ensure that dairy products are fresh and sustainably sourced,” says Hubble.

Ohio dairy farmers are committed to providing excellent animal care and protecting the environment, while providing nutritious, high-quality milk and dairy foods for the state’s consumers.

Ohio is known as the Buckeye State, but what many don’t know is that it is number one in the nation for Swiss cheese production. Beyond that, Ohio ranks second in the nation in the production of low-fat cottage cheese, third in sour cream, and fourth in hard ice cream.

Something for everyone

Dairy foods are available in a variety of forms to meet everyone’s individual needs—from nonfat to lactose-free to low-sodium, there are options that allow everyone to enjoy the taste and nutrition of dairy.

Whether you’re spreading some butter on an ear of corn, grabbing some cheese sticks to snack on at the pool, or pouring an icy glass of chocolate milk, you can savor the taste and nutrition of your three servings of dairy every day.

To read the stories behind Ohio's dairy farms, to learn nutrition facts, or to find a delicious recipe to take to your next summer picnic, visit undeniablydairy.org or drink-milk.com.

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