3 Every Day – Dairying up Halloween Treats

Do you ever consider how much candy there is in October?  Just because Halloween is in that month does not mean you should forget about real food.  I’m Elizabeth Drake, Tompkins County Alternate Dairy Princess.  Last month the Dairy Princess program had a float in the Newfield Old Home Days Parade, and we threw wrapped cheese sticks instead of wrapped candy. The kids and adults were very excited to get the cheese sticks more than the candy.  When I saw kids smiling and cheering for cheese, I thought “why do we give away so much candy at Halloween when we could give away an awesome delicious snack like cheese sticks?”  Cheese sticks would be eaten right away and would give the kids a delicious and nutritious boost to get them to the next house.  The kids might be surprised by the change in choice, but yet still excited to get another treat!

Farmers work hard all year to produce nutritious milk, maintain healthy cows and be a good steward of our natural resources.  So why don’t we take every moment we can as a community to promote and help educate the younger generation on the value of dairy products.   For example, one cheese stick contains 8 grams of protein and is only 80 calories, while candy bars typically only have 1-2 grams of protein and are much higher in calories.   How about this year handing out something a little different and see how many smiles you get.  Just remember any leftover cheese sticks can be turned into yummy lasagna or provide you with a much better snack too.

Julia Fouts, Tompkins County Dairy Princess is one of 35 county dairy princesses involved in the New York State Dairy Princess and Promotion program.  The purpose of this program is to promote the dairy industry and increase milk and dairy product sales, and is funded by local dairy farmers through their check-off investment in the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc.