June is National Dairy Alternative Month

Alisa Fleming – Sure, why not?  After all, in 1937 National Milk Month was proclaimed for the month of June as a marketing move to push the white stuff.  In 1955, the American Dairy Council took it over and has been running it with sales budgets since.  Last year, the Vegetarian Awareness Network countered Milk Month with what was then called No Dairy Month, with what appears to be no financial motive…

Wisely, they took on a more positive approach, renaming the “celebration” to Dairy Alternative Month.  I don’t particularly agree with their choice to combat Milk Month, even going so far as to release the National Dairy Alternative Month in the very same month, June.  Wouldn’t it make more sense to proclaim some individuality, to move on with that positive theme rather than competing, announcing another month, or even just a week on the food calendar of enlightenment?  Seriously, even chocolate only gets a week!

Ah, regardless, there are some fabulous dairy alternatives out there, enough to celebrate in fact.  Later this week we will in fact celebrate dairy-free frozen dessert on www.GoDairyFree.org.  For now, check out our Foods to Eat section for some great options, our many product reviews (yes, even ice “cream” and “cheese”!) and of course, recipes – from homemade milk substitutes to frozen dessert!