Nutrition research has shifted from single nutrients to examining the association of foods and dietary patterns with health. This includes recognizing that food is more than the sum of the individual nutrients and relates to the concept of the food matrix. Like other foods, dairy foods are characterized by their unique matrices and associated health effects. Although the concepts of the food matrix and/or dairy matrix are receiving increasing attention in the nutrition and health literature, there are different terms and definitions that refer to it. This article aims to provide insights into the application of the concepts of the food matrix and dairy matrix and to provide a current overview of the definitions and terminology surrounding the food matrix and dairy matrix. By analysing these aspects, we aim to illustrate the practical implications of the food matrix and dairy matrix on nutrition and health outcomes and evaluate their roles in shaping evidence-based policies for the benefit of public health. There is a need for harmonized definitions within the literature. Therefore, the International Dairy Federation put forward harmonized terms to be internationally applicable: the “dairy matrix” describes the unique structure of a dairy food, its components (e.g., nutrients and non-nutrients), and how they interact; “dairy matrix health effects” refers to the impact of a dairy food on health that extend beyond its individual components.

BACKGROUND: The COVID‐19 pandemic intensified disparities for underserved populations as accessing resources became more difficult. Dairy Council of California launched the Let's Eat Healthy initiative to address nutrition security through collaborative solutions in the school environment.IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: To ensure nutrition security for children and families, nutritious food and nutrition education must go hand‐in‐hand. Improving access to high quality food can help address the health disparities that exist for people who are at increased risk for food insecurity. Nutrition education supports students' holistic learning and social and emotional learning skills. Nutrition education models must be increasingly flexible in the face of ongoing challenges. Collaborative efforts to connect food access hubs, such as schools, with support and resources to provide evidence‐based nutrition education and agricultural literacy can equip individuals and communities with the knowledge, skills, and ability to make nutrient‐rich food choices.CONCLUSIONS: Investments and strategies in nutrition security that utilize the Individual plus Policy, System, and Environmental (I + PSE) model, such as the Let's Eat Healthy initiative, will effectively influence positive behavior change and improve community health. Navigating challenges in a rapidly changing environment requires people and organizations to work together, across disciplines, to leverage knowledge, experience, resources, expertise, and creative thinking. Improving access to healthy food and nutrition education will be most effective when done through collaboration.