HOW THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MILK HELP COMBAT HIDDEN HUNGER
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HOW THE NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF MILK HELP COMBAT HIDDEN HUNGER

When it comes to the nutritional benefits of milk, we usually think of strong bones, plenty of calcium, and high-quality nutrition for kids, but dairy’s impact goes beyond the basics — fighting deeper nutritional challenges like hidden hunger. 

Hunger is often pictured as something drastic and visible like extreme weight loss, frailty, and the kind of suffering that makes headlines. But hidden hunger is harder to spot and just as serious.  

Hidden hunger happens when diets lack the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to grow and thrive, even if enough calories are being consumed.  

This quiet form of malnutrition affects billions of people around the world, often with long-term consequences. But it doesn't have to be that way — every day dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt can help. Naturally rich in key nutrients, dairy products offer a practical, accessible way to ease the burden of hidden hunger and support better health from the inside out. 

As a cooperative owned by family dairy farmers producing high-quality, nutrient-dense milk, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) plays an important role in fighting hunger and promoting healthy communities.  

What is hidden hunger, really?

If you’ve never heard of it before, you might wonder, “Is hidden hunger a real thing?” And as they say, just because you can’t see something doesn’t mean it’s not there. 

Unfortunately, hidden hunger is a very real thing. It’s known more simply as micronutrient deficiency and is more common than you might realize.  

Even in high-income countries like the United States, 31% of the population is at risk of developing one or more micronutrient deficiencies. This is largely due to diets high in processed foods and low in nutrient-dense options like dairy. 

What is a micronutrient?

Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs in small amounts to keep your immune system strong, help your brain and muscles work well, and support overall health.  

Examples include:

We get micronutrients from eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, meat, and nuts.  

Even though we only need micronutrients in small amounts, their impact is big. When we don’t get enough micronutrients, our bodies don't function properly, leading to problems like feeling tired, getting sick more often, trouble growing or learning, and other potential health issues. In extreme cases, hidden hunger can contribute to anemia, osteoporosis, and even some cardiovascular diseases and cancers. 

Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and older adults are especially vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies because of an increased need for vitamins and minerals.  

Dairy: The not-so-secret weapon to solving hunger

One of the most powerful — and accessible — tools in the fight against hidden hunger and food insecurity is milk and dairy products, which provide essential nutrients that support healthy eating and nourish communities. 

A single, 8-ounce serving of milk contains 13 essential nutrients, including:

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Not only are these nutrients found in milk and dairy products, but they’re present in highly bioavailable form.  

What does that mean? Bioavailable nutrients are easier for your body to absorb and use. When a nutrient is highly bioavailable, it means your body can take it in quickly and efficiently, so more of it gets used where it’s needed. That makes the nutritional benefits of milk even more powerful. 

On the other hand, if something is less bioavailable, your body might struggle to absorb it. So, even if a nutrient is technically in a certain food or supplement, you may not get the full benefit. Because so many of our foods are heavily processed, it can be difficult to get enough bioavailable nutrients in your diet, even if you’re eating three meals a day. 

By enjoying high-quality dairy products, you’re helping ensure you consume enough calories to get through your day, and you’re also keeping all your systems running by avoiding micronutrient deficiencies.  

Making healthy food accessible to those in need

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As a cooperative focused on our communities, DFA does more than just produce nutrient-dense dairy, we help ensure those who need it most have access to it. 

Through our DFA Cares Foundation, we’re working to combat hunger in the United States, as well as abroad through partnerships with humanitarian organizations. In 2024, we provided more than $66,000 in product and monetary donations to feeding organizations throughout the country. DFA employees and farmer-owners also serve all year long by volunteering time and resources in the fight against hunger.  

The nutritional benefits of milk are recognized globally — from school lunch trays to fortified milk in remote villages. Dairy plays a key role in fighting hidden hunger and supporting public health. According to the International Dairy Federation, school milk programs offer an effective way to deliver key nutrients to children, helping lay the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. Around the world, government-supported programs provide students with a daily serving of milk — often fortified with vitamins A and D — to help improve growth, learning, and school attendance.  

In Guatemala, for example, where malnutrition is common, UNICEF supported an initiative where fortified dairy snacks helped reduce rates of childhood anemia and undernutrition. In India, a similar approach using fortified milk helped increase vitamin D levels in school-aged children by over 50%. 

Large-scale food fortification efforts have a proven track record of success over the past 50 years. According to a publication by UNICEF, “147 countries mandate or allow salt iodization, virtually eliminating iodine deficiency in much of the world. 92 countries have implemented cereal grain fortification programs and more than 30 countries fortify edible oil, reducing the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in folate, iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc.” 

When combined with community education and increased access, dairy can reach those most at risk with the nutrients they need to live full and healthy lives. And it’s not just in low and middle-income countries. In the United States, dairy is a cornerstone of school meal programs, supplying essential nutrients at a low cost and in an accessible format. By partnering with beloved brands, DFA is helping students stay excited about school milk with special-edition packaging featuring their favorite characters. 

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Strong bodies fueled by dairy also mean stronger communities. With year-round production and a steady demand, dairy farming supports local economies by providing reliable jobs, stable income, and a consistent market for other local goods and services. In short, that dependable flow of milk puts food on tables, dollars in pockets, and nutrients into the hands of those who need them most.  

And because many dairy farmers live right where they work, investing in the health of their land and community is personal. Sustainable farming is how they protect the soil, water, and resources their families and neighbors rely on every day. From reducing emissions to improving water use and caring for their herds, farmers are building a sustainable future where strong local economies and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. 

By sustainably producing nutrient-dense dairy products, our farmer-owners are supporting a food system that’s resilient and responsible. Pouring that little bit of extra love into the land they call home helps ensure that real nourishment remains accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone. 

Nutritious dairy products everyone can enjoy

Milk is a nutritional powerhouse on its own, but our DFA farmer-owned brands are creating innovative products that go beyond basic nourishment. 

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Hunger is the problem, dairy is the solution

Every day we learn more about how dairy supports everything from gut health to cognitive development, ensuring we’re not just keeping up with nutritional needs — we’re staying ahead of them. In doing so, we are building a strong future for the dairy industry as well as the billions of people around the world who need high-quality nutrition. 

By choosing to enjoy DFA farmer-owned dairy products, you’re supporting a cooperative owned by family dairy farmers committed to feeding the world. As we all work together to shape a healthier, more sustainable food system where no one is left hungry, dairy deserves a seat at the table. With its ability to close nutrient gaps, support livelihoods, and nourish communities near and far, dairy is a powerful part of the solution to hunger.