Franke Teams with National Dairy Council® to Encourage Nutrient-Rich Foods to Help Improve Health and Wellness for Teens

Franke is collaborating with National Dairy Council® to help improve the health and wellness of high school students by focusing on improving their consumption of low-fat and fat-free milk options. The initiative follows a new nutrition standard for snacks and beverages in schools established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The science-based school standards, named Smart Snacks, include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy while reducing fats, sodium and sugars. An espresso beverage was approved as a Smart Snack for high schools because it combines two allowable beverages (espresso and milk) and meets the USDA beverage calorie and size restrictions.

Franke and National Dairy Council are committed to helping high school students across the country close the gap in dairy consumption by giving them more opportunities to meet the recommended three servings of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods per day through a la carte cafes that offer specialty espresso beverages. The espresso equipment will provide beverages made with low-fat or fat-free milk, regular and caffeine-free espresso beans and for those who’d like it, sugar-free syrup.

“According to a recent USDA report, 9 out 10 teen girls and 7 out of 10 teen boys aren’t getting the calcium they need,” said Terry Hoelle, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, of Franke. “Specialty espresso beverages give teens an option that includes milk, keeps them on campus, and can help turn those numbers around.”

The standard restricts the amount of milk and coffee that can be served. Espressos are allowed because they meet the beverage calorie restriction of less than 5 calories per fluid ounce, up to 12 fluid ounces. Out of that 12-ounce beverage, espresso typically accounts for 1 to 2 fluid ounces, with the main ingredient being milk.

The standard also restricts any flavorings from being added if low-fat milk is being used. Flavorings may be added if using fat-free milk.

“National Dairy Council has been committed to fostering a healthier nation for nearly 100 years and is pleased to work with Franke on the new a la carte cafes,” said Jean Ragalie-Carr, RDN, president of National Dairy Council. “Teens are missing out on important nutrients (i.e., calcium, vitamin D, potassium) provided by milk and other dairy products, and the new milk and espresso beverage gives them another option to help meet their daily dairy group servings.”

For more information about the cafe program for high schools, please contact a Franke Representative at 615-462-4159.

ABOUT FRANKE FOODSERVICE SYSTEMS AMERICAS

Franke Foodservice Systems is the world’s leading provider of comprehensive systems and services for professional foodservice and beverage preparation. With more than 50 years of industry experience, Franke provides innovative, best-in-class products and turnkey solutions that enhance restaurant operations, maximize customer value and support market leaders around the world.

Franke Foodservice Systems is part of the Franke Group, which provides solutions and equipment for domestic kitchens, washrooms, professional food service, coffee preparation and beverage delivery. The Franke Group is global company with 8,500 employees working in 40 countries, generating revenues of 2 billion (Swiss francs) annually.

For more information about the Franke Group, visit www.franke.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL

National Dairy Council (NDC), the non-profit organization funded by the national dairy checkoff program, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC has taken a leadership role in promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

For more information about National Dairy Council, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.