Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds providers

Healthy eating and shared reading in the first five years of life boost brain development, strengthen parent-child bonds, and lay the groundwork for long-term success. Reach Out and Read is collaborating with dairy councils to bring those two critical building blocks together, empowering families to create daily habits that will support their children for a lifetime. Below, you’ll find:

Resources for clinicians and parents around dairy and healthy eating
Fun books to nurture strong minds and bodies

Reach Out and Read is partnering with Midwest Dairy and Dairy West on Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds, an initiative that will provide thousands of families across the West and Midwest with both books and healthy eating guidance during pediatric well-child visits.

Through a $245,000 investment, these dairy councils will help deliver 36,000+ books to pediatric clinics in Arkansas, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Eastern Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington. Reach Out and Read clinicians will share these books with families, offering resources on literacy, bonding, and nutrition, and reinforcing routines that nurture both strong bodies and strong minds.

Nutrition-related resources for clinicians
provided by our dairy partners

Pediatrician Toolkit Brochure

A guide for health care professionals showing how dairy supports kids’ brain, bone, and body development at every age, with tips for families and lactose-intolerant individuals.

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Educator Brochure

A resource to help parents and caregivers explain how dairy nourishes children’s brains, bones, and bodies during their first 1,000 days and beyond, with practical nutrition and transition tips.

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Practitioner Preview: Lactose Intolerance

Explains what lactose intolerance is, how to diagnose it and how it differs from a dairy allergy. Offers simple ways for people to keep enjoying dairy while managing symptoms.

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Science Summary: Lactose Intolerance

This resource reviews current evidence on lactose intolerance, its difference from lactase non-persistence, and emphasizes accurate diagnosis and personalized management to help patients maintain nutrient intake.

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Science Summary on Dairy Innovation and Lactose Intolerance

This article highlights how dairy foods are nutrient-dense, help fill common dietary gaps. It describes innovations, including lactose-free options, that enhance their accessibility, health benefits, and sustainability.

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Dairy Every Day is a Healthy Way to Nourish Brains, Bones and Bodies

This resource provides guidance for clinicians on incorporating dairy and lactose-free alternatives into nutrition plans for children ages 1-18 to support growth, immune health, and recovery in pediatric critical care.

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Yogurt Consumption & Improved Lactose Digestion

This document summarizes evidence showing that yogurt and other fermented dairy products improve lactose digestion and tolerance while providing key nutrients and additional benefits for gut, bone, and metabolic health.

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Nutrition-related resources for parents
provided by our dairy partners

Pediatrician Parent Handout

Learn how dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese give kids the nutrients they need to grow strong, build healthy bones, and stay energized every day.

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Lactose Intolerance

Even if you are lactose intolerant, you can still enjoy dairy by choosing lactose-free options or eating small amounts to build tolerance.

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Strong Bones for Your Kids

Simple ways to ensure children receive the recommended calcium intake to help build strong bones and teeth.

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What’s in Your Glass? (Milk vs Plant Alternatives)

Compares the nutrition and cost of cow’s milk and plant-based milks to help you see what is in each glass.

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8 Ways Cheese Can Help Your Body

Learn about the eight important nutrients in cheese and how they support your bones, muscles, immune system, and more.

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9 Ways Yogurt Can Help Your Body

Learn how one serving of yogurt contains nine essential nutrients your body needs for digestion, immunity, bone strength, and beyond.

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13 Ways Milk Can Help Your Body

Explains 13 benefits of milk, such as providing vitamins, protein, and support for bones and growth.

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Dairy Every Day is a Healthy Way

Shows the benefits of dairy and how much is recommended by age, from 6 months to 9+ years (in English and Spanish).

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Dairy Through the Lifespan Booklet

Learn how dairy is important for health and nutrition from infancy through your senior years.

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Making the Move Handout

Tips for parents transitioning their child from whole milk to lower-fat milk options (in English and multiple languages).

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Interested in learning more about how dairy foods build healthy brains, bones, and bodies? Visit usdairy.com/health-wellness!

“Dairy West and Midwest Dairy are proud to partner with Reach Out and Read to support healthier futures for children. As nonprofit organizations that conduct research and promotion on behalf of dairy farmers, we know that dairy plays an essential role in fueling growing brains, bones, and bodies. Our farmers are deeply committed to caring for people and the planet, and this partnership reflects that commitment. Reach Out and Read is a proven program that promotes children’s health and development—values that align with what dairy farmers care most about: nurturing strong families and thriving communities.”

— Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies partners

Stories about healthy bodies and minds — plus fun on the farm — await! Pick some books from our curated lists and make storytime with your kids fun and meaningful.