May 29, 2025 — A landmark study led by Verka and supported by Punjab University, the Chandigarh Department of Education, NGO Yuvsatta, and Tetra Pak India has revealed exceptional support for UHT (Ultra-High Temperature) milk among schoolchildren. Conducted under the PM Poshan (Mid-Day Meal) initiative, the program reached 4,484 students across government schools in Chandigarh.
“Ensuring access to safe, tasty, and nutritious milk in schools has the power to uplift both health and education,” said a Verka spokesperson. “This pilot confirms UHT milk’s acceptability and strengthens the case for scaling such programs across India.”
Key Health & Behaviour Insights:
- 44% of students consumed milk more than four times a week, while 38% did so two to four times weekly.
- A majority demonstrated awareness of milk’s nutritional value, particularly for bone health, vitamins, and protein intake.
- Students also demonstrated a strong understanding of waste segregation and recycling, aided by initiatives that collect and repurpose Tetra Pak cartons into school supplies and furniture.
A Model for School Nutrition in India
Verka’s pilot, operated through the Milkfed Punjab cooperative, is not only about dairy—it is also an environmental and educational initiative. After milk consumption, NGO partners collected used cartons, which were recycled into notebooks, planters, and classroom furniture, making the program a dual investment in health and sustainability.
The study urges policymakers to:
- Increase milk distribution days to at least 3 times a week.
- Embed milk’s health benefits into school curricula and public awareness campaigns.
- Combine milk with other nutritious food items to improve dietary diversity.
- Regularly monitor program implementation to maintain quality and reach.
Global and National Context
Countries such as China, the U.S., and Brazil have successfully integrated milk into their national school feeding programs, yielding significant outcomes in child growth and cognitive development. The International Dairy Federation continues to advocate for school milk as a lever to combat micronutrient deficiencies.
India now has an opportunity to establish a sustainable school milk ecosystem, driven by partnerships among government agencies, dairy cooperatives such as Verka, and packaging innovators like Tetra Pak.
Conclusion
With positive outcomes in nutrition, behaviour, and environmental impact, the Verka UHT milk initiative in Chandigarh offers a replicable blueprint for India’s school health programs. It demonstrates that when dairy, education, and sustainability intersect, the result is healthier children and a more responsible generation.