Give Milk: One Of The Most Needed, Least Donated Items At Food Banks

WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Passing a glass of milk to loved ones during the holidays means passing the feeling of comfort, togetherness and wellbeing. But hungry families right in your community may be missing out on milk's much-needed nutrients – and all the holiday moments milk brings this time of year – when they don't have regular access to it.

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Milk is one of the most requested, but least donated, items at food banks – especially during the holidays when food banks can be even busier. This Giving Tuesday, a day that's focused on helping people in need, you can pass the feeling of milk right in your community through Feeding America® and The Great American Milk Drive – a nationwide initiative to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry children and families.

More than 46 million Americans – including 12 million children – are served by Feeding America member food banks each year. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person, per year.

"Consumers have always been generous about donating canned foods and dry goods during the holidays. Milk is also needed by many of the people we serve, yet it's a lot harder to donate because it's perishable," said Nancy Curby, Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Feeding America. "The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy for people to donate milk directly in their communities, ensuring kids and families have access to nutrients they may otherwise fall short on this time of year."

Pass the feeling of milk and its nutrients this holiday season

With 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of protein in every 8-ounce glass, milk is a simple way to help kids and families who face food insecurity get nutrition they need. Milk is also the top food source for three of the nutrients most likely to be missing from kids' diets – calcium, vitamin D and potassium – making it even more critical for kids who don't have access to nutritious foods.

"From hot cocoa to classic milk and cookies, milk has always been a magical part of the holidays," said Victor Zaborsky, Vice President of Marketing for MilkPEP. "As you take part in those traditions this year, think of children and families who may not have basic staples like milk in their refrigerators, and how a small donation can make a difference between a balanced meal or nothing at all."

Join Feeding America and The Great American Milk Drive in the fight against hunger. A donation of as little as $5 at milklife.com/give will help provide a gallon of milk to a family in need in your local area, helping provide children with nutrients they need to experience the joys of this holiday season.

Thanks to the generosity of donors across the country, The Great American Milk Drive has delivered more than 1.8 million gallons – that's over 28 million servings – of milk to families in need. This holiday season, you can help The Great American Milk Drive reach 2 million gallons of milk donated – that's 32 million servings – to children and families that don't have regular access to it.

America's milk brands and dairy farmers are committed to fighting hunger in our communities. Through this partnership with Feeding America, the dairy industry is committed to providing 50 million servings of milk, and its essential nutrients, to kids and families in need by 2020.

To learn more about milk's nutrition and the need for milk in food banks, visit milklife.com/give.

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. 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.

About Feeding America® 
Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs 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 www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP)