CHICAGO – At one of the largest gatherings of global dairy professionals, the industry joined together to support a relevant, industry-wide cause that helped deliver more than 24,000 servings of milk to hungry families in need through The Great American Milk Drive, a partnership between Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, and the nation’s dairy farmers and milk companies. The Great American Milk Drive is the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.
According to Feeding America®, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet there is a nationwide shortage because it is rarely donated. That’s because Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, but milk is much harder to donate because it’s perishable. For that reason, Feeding America clients receive on average the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year.
“At the International Dairy Show, it was incredible to witness the dairy industry stand together to take action for a united cause with The Great American Milk Drive,” said Julia Kadison, CEO, Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP). “As members of the industry, we know the significant role milk plays in one’s diet and believe everyone should have access to it. With more than 12 million families missing out on the important nutrients found in milk, including high-quality protein, the dairy industry has shown its commitment to continue to work together to help reverse this trend.”
Since its launch in 2014, The Great American Milk Drive has generated over 410,000 gallons of milk – more than 6.5 million servings – for hungry children and families in communities across the country.
“It’s been exciting to see so many people, from exhibitors to attendees, unite in this effort of committing gallons of milk to families in need at this year’s International Dairy Show,” said Connie Tipton, President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). “It truly illustrates the power of the collective dairy industry and how its participation in The Great American Milk Drive can make a real impact in communities and within our industry.”
To show their ongoing commitment to the cause, The Great American Milk Drive matched the first 1,000 gallons of milk donated at the show. In addition to the onsite donations, many exhibitors showed their support by becoming official International Dairy Show sponsors of The Great American Milk Drive. Sponsors include Marshfield Food Safety, LLC, Pentair Flow & Filtration Solutions and SensoryEffects.
Beyond the International Dairy Show, many industry members are supporting The Great American Milk Drive with successful retail partnerships, local events, social media efforts, company match donations and much more. There are a number of custom ways the industry can support the cause and help deliver much-needed milk to children and families in need. Head to milklife.com/give to donate, or join the conversation on social media and learn more about how the drive is affecting hungry communities in each state.
Contact Melissa Malcolm, senior field marketing manager for MilkPEP, at mmalcolm@milkpep.org, for more information about The Great American Milk Drive and MilkPEP’s turnkey resources, which can be utilized all year round.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46.5 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in communities across America. Feeding America also supports programs that improve food security among the people we serve; educates the public about the problem of hunger; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Individuals, charities, businesses and government all have a role in ending hunger. Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Educate. Together we can solve hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.
About MilkPEP
The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk companies, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the Milk Life campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the powerful nutritional benefits of milk – with 9 essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, in each 8-ounce glass. For more information, go to milklife.com. Lowe Campbell Ewald is creative agency for the Milk Life campaign – from America’s milk companies.
About National Dairy Council
National Dairy Council® (NDC), the non-profit organization founded by dairy farmers, is committed to nutrition education and research-based communications. NDC provides science-based nutrition information to, and in collaboration with, a variety of stakeholders committed to fostering a healthier nation, including health professionals, educators, school nutrition directors, academia, industry, consumers and media. Established in 1915, NDC comprises a staff of registered dietitians and nutrition research and communications experts across the country. NDC is committed to promoting child health and wellness through programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60. Developed by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), Fuel Up to Play 60 encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. For more information, visit www.NationalDairyCouncil.org.
Source: Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)
