In our recent interview Mario Lopez credits his daily intake of dairy – going back to his childhood – as a key element to his fitness and good health. His involvement with the Undeniably Dairy campaign is a natural progression. In a continuation to our conversation Lopez shares some interesting figures from a recent survey on the intake of dairy. Best of all the “Extra” host offers one of his favorite recipes.

More and more people want to know where their food comes from and about the people who make it. That’s why Undeniably Dairy is connecting people with the farmers and the dairy community behind the real, nutrient rich and responsibly produced dairy foods they love. And, at the same time working to bring the joy of dairy back to people across the U.S.

The Undeniably Dairy campaign conducted a national survey of 2,255 U.S. adults to explore how connected people felt with farmers and their local food sources. Key findings from the survey include:

7 out of 10 Americans think it’s important to get to know the farmers who make the food they eat.
60% of people are extremely or very interested in meeting a farmer to discuss farm practices.
85% of people said they believed sharing meals impacts trust in relationships.
76% would be more open to someone’s point of view after sharing a meal.
However, more than half (54%) of people tend to have a device or screen around when they eat.
94% of people believe connecting face-to-face benefits society.
85% believe that sharing meals impacts trust in relationships.

Mario Lopez with wife Courtney and kids Gia (6) and Dominic (3)

Here’s a creative recipe from Mario Lopez.

Mario’s Bacon & Cheddar Casserole:

Serves: 4
Ingredients
¾ pound whole grain elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup diced onion
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup low fat (1%) milk
2 tablespoons reduced fat cream cheese
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pinch of ground nutmeg
2 slices cooked turkey bacon, finely chopped
1 cup chopped tomato
Nonstick cooking spray
1 slice whole wheat bread
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil