The following is being distributed at the request of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Milk Foundation:

No increase in price of school milk for 1996-97

The commitment and cooperation of a unique partnership between dairy farmers, milk processors, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has again made it possible for the School Milk Program to offer milk to children in almost all schools across the province. "I am very pleased to announce that the price of school milk for the 1996-97 school year will not increase," said Dr. James Hearn, chairman of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Milk Foundation. "This marks the fifth year that the price of school milk has remained the same."

The price of milk to students in Newfoundland and Labrador schools will remain at $.35 for a 200 ml carton and $.70 for a 500 ml carton of fresh two per cent white or chocolate milk. Since 1992, this has been the direct cost to children in the schools, and in 1996 terms, this represents approximately only 40 per cent of the current market price.

Beaton Tulk, minister responsible for agrifoods, commended the Newfoundland and Labrador School Milk Foundation for their efforts in promoting health and nutrition amongst school children in the province.

"I am pleased that my department will contribute $200,000 to ensure the continued availability and affordability of milk in the schools," said Mr. Tulk. "I would also like to commend the dairy farmers and milk processors for their generous matching subsidization contributions of $500,000 each to this tremendous program."

The School Milk Program operates in 400 schools across the province, and is accessible to over 106,000 students daily. The success of the program can be measured by the volume of milk sold in all schools across the province. Prior to the launching of the School Milk Program in 1991, only 90,000 litres were sold, and this has now increased to over one million litres a year. "We have received favourable support from students, teachers, health professionals and parents," commented Dr. Hearn. "With this level of commitment and support, we hope to increase milk consumption by children throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

• Contact:

  David Head, Executive Director
  Newfoundland and Labrador
  School Milk Foundation
  (709) 364-2776

  Anna Buffinga
  Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
  (709) 729-3750