The announcement follows a UK commitment to leave the EU School Milk Scheme, which subsidises school milk, when it leaves the EU.
The new Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed funding for school milk will continue whether the UK leaves the European Union with or without a deal.
In a letter to Dr Hilary Jones of the School and Nursery Milk Alliance, Mr Williamson said his priority was to drive up standards and give pupils between the ages of five and 11 ‘the best start in life’.
He said: “The department supports the provision of nutritious food in schools to enable pupils to be well nourished, develop healthy eating habits and to concentrate and learn in school.
“As stated in the School Food Standards, dairy products, such as milk, are a rich source of energy, protein, calcium, vitamin A and riboflavin.”
Dr Jones welcomed the commitment, agreeing milk was a ‘superfood packed with all the essential nutrients for growing children’.
Research by Northumbria University showed milk could have a positive effect on preventing childhood obesity, and that it was likely to support children’s cognition, particularly when served as a mid-morning snack.
Mr Williamson’s announcement follows a UK commitment to leave the EU School Milk Scheme, which subsidises school milk, when it leaves the EU.