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CABOT CREAMERY SUPPORTS NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH

Free Educational Programs Target Kids and Focus on Healthy Eating

Cabot, Vt. – (May 21, 2007) – June is National Dairy Month and there’s no better time to spread the word about healthy eating and to educate children on the importance of calcium.

Cabot Creamery Cooperative, the Vermont-based manufacturer of the world’s best tasting cheddar cheese, has spent the last several years working closely with nutritionists and healthcare experts to help curb the calcium crisis and end obesity in children. The Cooperative is now working taking youth nourishment one step further with the introduction of free education programs. Cabot has developed five separate educational programs geared toward school age children. Noted below are brief descriptions of the programs, each of which is designed to grab the interest of its specific age group and create a fun-filled educational experience:

Calcium is Cool
The Calcium is Cool program was developed by Cabot to promote good nutrition through cooking while making it exciting and fun for teens. Celebrity Chef Jon Ashton (www.jonashton.com) shows students how to cook healthier versions of their favorite recipes while encouraging an active lifestyle. The presentation is done in the classroom. Students also receive copies of recipes, nutrition information, coupons and fun giveaways.

Free Plays
Do you have the high school actors but need a great script? Cabot has come up with a fun and entertaining way for drama clubs and community groups to raise money and have some fun! The scripts are adaptations of well known Shakespeare plays with a twist. In addition to the scripts, Cabot provides all the artwork for posters, tickets, ads and programs. Cabot even provides the cheese to celebrate with!

Calcium Crisis Challenge
America is in a calcium crisis and since we build the bulk of our bone mass by age 20, the way to defeat this crisis is by increasing the calcium intake of our children. With the use of any medium of their choice, including videos and stage productions, 6th-8th graders are challenged to communicate creatively. While working with their peers the students encourage knowledge about calcium intake and exercise and how important they are to healthy bones.

Cows, Calcium and Cheese
The fun-filled Activity Kit for Cows, Calcium and Cheese includes a CD Rom and Activity Kit. The program is designed to teach k-9 students about life on the farm, to explore varied careers in agriculture and consider nutrition concepts such as how calcium is linked to health.

Parents are the First Teachers
Created for the portion of the population that is three and under, this DVD and booklet, designed by a certified and licensed speech language pathologist, encourages literacy among Cabot’s youngest consumers.

The Girl Scout Calcium Challenge Patch
The 3-A-Day Calcium Challenge Patch program encourages Girl Scouts to learn about the importance of calcium in a healthy diet. The patch was created by 13-year old Megan Novak of Birmingham, Alabama, a Girl Scout of course! The program encourages Girl Scouts to learn about the importance of calcium in a healthy diet. The patch is earned by completing approved activities that range from tracking calcium-rich foods in one’s diet to participating in weight-bearing activities.

“We are very excited about our free educational programs and taking part in educating America’s youth about their bodies and the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” commented Sara Wing, Cabot Health Spokesperson. “However, what enthused us most were the students’ reactions! They love the programs, and let’s face it, holding their interest is half the battle”, she said.

ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE
Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919 and is best known as makers of “The World’s Best Cheddar,” as honored twice now at World Championship Cheese Contests. Cabot is owned by the dairy farm families of Agri-Mark, the Northeast’s premier dairy cooperative. Please visit www.cabotcheese.coop for additional details on the free education programs and other parent/teacher resources.

Please see below for links to each specific program

Free Plays
Big Whoop About Zip
Midsummer City

Calcium is Cool

Calcium Crisis Challenge

Cows, Calcium & Cheese

Parents are the First Teachers

The Girl Scout Calcium Challenge Patch