Correction: Information regarding the history of June Dairy Month is incorrect.

Eating the frozen treat out of a cup was not an option for the Fenton native, but he made sure none of the ice cream took a messy plunge down the side of his sugar cone. He and his parents were enjoying an afternoon at Melting Moments, 313 E. Grand River Ave.

"I don't like using a spoon that much," he said. "I'd rather lick it."

Whether Morgan knew it or not, he was participating in June Dairy Month and getting a serving of milk in the process.

Since 1937, June Dairy Month has recognized the dairy industry and the numerous benefits it provides to society. It was originally called National Milk Month in 1937-1938, running from June 10-July 10. The month was intended to assist the stabilization of demand at the annual height of dairy production. It wasn't until 1939 that it received its current name, said John Engstrom, MSU Dairy Placement Manager.

Fast-forward 70 years, and the incorporation of dairy into daily diets has taken on major importance - especially at the MSU Dairy Store.

Since about 1914, the MSU Dairy Store has been a tasty way for students and locals to enjoy dairy products and sample the many varieties of flavorful ice cream and cheese.

Engstrom said all the cheese and ice cream made at the dairy plant, located in Anthony Hall, is made with student labor.

"It's definitely an MSU product," he said. "It's all homemade."

In addition to about 42 rotating ice cream flavors - including the popular Sesquicentennial Swirl - the Dairy Store also sells seven different types of cheese from its two store locations - Anthony Hall and the Union.

The dairy store is the only of its kind in Michigan and is one of a few other university-run dairy stores, including Penn State University, Cornell University and Ohio State University, among others, Engstrom said.

"There's a science to good ice cream," Engstrom said. "We think we've got just about the right combination of air and solids."

Although the U.S. produced about 1.5 billion gallons of ice cream in 2005, many people are not getting the recommended serving of milk per day.

In fact, nine out of 10 women older than 19, and four out of 10 men older than 19 do not meet the recommended calcium standards, said Karen Giles-Smith, a registered dietitian from the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. The recommended amount is three servings for 19- to 50-year-olds per day, she added.

"As people get older, they don't realize they still need to get calcium and vitamin D," she said. "College-age women assume dairy products are high in fat. They think when they go on a diet, they have to ditch and dump dairy."

Not only do the right amounts of milk, cheese and yogurt help create strong bones, they also help build strong teeth and prevent kidney stones, high blood pressure and colon cancer, Giles-Smith said.

There's good news for those with a sweet tooth who wish to enjoy something more sinful to satisfy their calcium servings. Giles-Smith also said that a half cup of ice cream is considered one serving of dairy.

"Ice cream does not contain as much calcium as milk, cheese or yogurt, but it's OK every once in a while - as long as it's in moderation," she said.