LANSING, MICH. – For the fourth year in a row, the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has made a donation of fresh milk to the state’s food bank network.
MMPA is donating 150 gallons of milk a day for 2018. That amounts to 54,750 gallons of milk to Michigan area food banks this year. The donation is occurring primarily during the summer months when the need is the greatest. The Food Bank Council of Michigan will ensure Michigan’s seven food banks serving all 83 counties in Michigan will receive this wholesome product.
MMPA is a farmer-owned cooperative, meaning the milk is a donation directly from the farmers. For four consecutive years, MMPA has worked with local farmers for their generous donation while increasing the milk donation.
“The Food Bank Council couldn’t be happier to receive this donation of milk year after year,” said Dr. Phillip Knight, FBCM Executive Director. “One in seven people in Michigan struggle with hunger, and we’re constantly working toward solutions. MMPA’s donation puts us one step closer in solving hunger and food insecurity in Michigan.”
The milk will be coming from some of the 1,100 farmers of MMPA. Michigan Dairy, operated by Kroger, is donating the processing and packaging of the milk, saving the food banks over $25,000.
“As a cooperative, MMPA is committed to serving local communities at its core. One way the dairy farmer owners of MMPA can support our neighbors in need is by providing food banks with nutrient-rich milk,” said Ken Nobis, dairy farmer and president of MMPA. “Therefore, we are proud to make a donation of milk to food banks across the state of Michigan this summer. With this donation and through our partnership with the Food Bank Council of Michigan over the last few years, we have now donated a total of 2.6 million servings of milk, reaching communities in every corner of the state.”
This abundant contribution provides milk, one of the most requested items at local distribution centers, to Michigan residents, families and children in need of this wholesome product.
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About the Food Bank Council of Michigan
Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan was created to implement a unified strategy to address and alleviate hunger statewide. FBCM works with its regional food banks and over 3,000 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials and other allies to make sure no Michigander goes without food. For more information about the Food Bank Council of Michigan, visit www.fbcmich.org or call 517.485.1202.
About Michigan Milk Producers Association
Founded in 1916, the MMPA is a dairy farmer owned cooperative and dairy processor. MMPA serves approximately 1,700 dairy farm families in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin..MMPA markets approximately five billion pounds of milk annually from its dairy farmer members. For more information about the Michigan Milk Producers Association, visit www.mimilk.com or call 284.474.6672.
About The Kroger Co. of Michigan:
The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is one of the world’s largest grocery retailers and the nation’s largest operator of traditional grocery stores. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 276 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. Opened in 1967, Kroger Michigan Dairy has been serving Michigan for over 50 years. Kroger Michigan Dairy currently receives over 40 million pounds of milk each month from MMPA. For more information about Kroger Michigan Dairy please visit www.kroger.com.
Source: Michigan Milk Producers Association
