Milk is one of the most-requested nutrition staples at food banks, but out of the more than 377 million meals served by California food banks each year, the facilities are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person.
During September Hunger Action Month, California dairy families are looking to change that statistic by encouraging Californians to donate fresh, nutritious milk to local food banks through the Great American Milk Drive.
Community members have two easy ways to donate:
- By donating to The Great American Milk Drive online at MilkLife.com/Give and entering a zip code, the donation goes to a Feeding America food bank in each donor’s local community; or
- Throughout the month of September, California Ralphs shoppers can donate $1, $3 or $5 to the “Pour It Forward” program at check-out to help deliver much-needed milk to families served by their local California Feeding America food banks.
California’s more than 1,400 dairy farm families are pledging $100,000 in matching funds – equal to 20,000 gallons or 320,000 servings of milk – to get the ball rolling.
“California dairy farmers are dedicated to providing a wholesome, nutritious product for families everywhere and to making this nutritious food available to all families, regardless of circumstances,” said John Talbot, CEO of California Milk Advisory Board. “The Great American Milk Drive offers a tremendous opportunity for consumers to join us in supporting people in need and ensuring this support stays in California communities.”
“One cup of whole California Milk contains nine essential nutrients, including eight grams of high-quality protein per serving, which is important to kids, moms and dads,” said Barb Dehn, RN, MS, NP Stanford University lecturer and practicing nurse practitioner. “This initiative is an incredible way to ensure each California neighbor has access to the nutrition of milk.”
“While people donate canned and dry goods, many don’t think to donate milk because it’s perishable,” said Karen Haren, interim executive director of Feeding America San Diego “This problem is large in scale, but awareness is low. Through The Great American Milk Drive and California dairy farmers’ support, we are closer to helping the one-in-four Californian children facing hunger.”
Learn more at http://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/our-community/ and take part in the conversation across social media with #MilkDrive.