School feeding programmes are vital for addressing child optimal nutrition, improving school attendance, and supporting vulnerable households. Dairy, a nutrient-dense food, offers key nutrients such as calcium, protein, and vitamin B12, yet its inclusion in school feeding programmes is inconsistent due to cost and logistical challenges. This Bulletin investigates the role of milk and milk products in school feeding programmes across five countries—United States, Mexico, Ireland, Japan, and South Africa—focusing on affordability and nutritional adequacy. Findings reveal that dairy can enhance nutrient adequacy, particularly calcium, without necessarily increasing costs. In some countries, dairy-inclusive meals were among the most affordable. The Bulletin emphasizes the importance of evaluating cost-effectiveness using nutrient-based metrics and recommends culturally appropriate, affordable strategies to integrate dairy into school feeding programmes for improved child nutrition.
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