BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association has received a $115,000 grant to expand the use of bulk milk dispensers in school cafeterias across the Commonwealth.

The grant was made possible by the Vam der Lely Foundation, an independent initiative that contributes to entrepreneurship and innovation.

This investment marks a major step in helping more Virginia schools transition from single-use milk cartons to a more student-friendly way of serving milk, said Eric Paulson, VSDA executive director.

To date, the milk dispenser grant program has supported 54 schools across 19 districts, totaling 77 dispensers statewide. Starting in 2026, VSDA will expand the project to 18 additional cities and counties through July 2027.