The Great American Milk Drive Makes It Easy To Sweeten The Season And Help Families In Need

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The holidays are a time of goodwill, gratitude and celebrations filled with milk and cookies. This season, thanks to the generosity of donors across the country, The Great American Milk Drive will deliver its 1 millionth gallon of milk to the Feeding America® network of food banks. This is a significant milestone, and yet, kids and families in need in your community may still be missing out on milk and its essential nutrients.

"We are proud to have surpassed such a significant milestone. In collaboration with America's milk brands, dairy farmers, retailers, shoppers and our social media community, our 1 millionth gallon signifies great strides in our fight against hunger – and we're just getting started," said Victor Zaborsky, Vice President of Marketing for MilkPEP.  "For the more than 12 million children and their families who are served by Feeding America, a gallon of milk is truly a gift that can make the season brighter. As you shop for the seasonal sweets that fill your holidays with cheer, you can deliver the gift of highly desired, nutrient-rich milk to kids and families in need in your community."

The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy to sweeten the season for families in need when you send Cheryl's® exclusive Great American Milk Drive cookie gifts to family and friends through December 31. Cheryl's will donate 15 percent of proceeds from Great American Milk Drive holiday gifts to provide Feeding America's nationwide network of food banks with fresh milk. Visit milklife.com for more information on Great American Milk Drive cookie gifts and the need for milk in America's food banks.

"The Great American Milk drive has created a practical way for food banks to get milk to families in need," said Matt Knott, President, Feeding America. "It allows food banks to distribute vouchers for a free gallon of milk to families to redeem at their local grocery or convenience store. We're grateful for this powerful partnership that enables our network to provide a highly-requested food item to families year round. It is especially important during the holidays when for some families the need is even greater."

Three Simple Ways to Help Sweeten the Season with Milk:

1. Send cookies this holiday season. Through December 31, Cheryls.com will donate 15 percent of proceeds from Great American Milk Drive holiday gifts to help provide fresh, nutrient-rich milk to children and their families.
2. Buy M&M'S® at Walmart. Through December 25, every time you buy M&M'S® at Walmart, fresh nutrient-rich milk will be donated to Feeding America¹. Visit MyConfectionCorner.com for more information.   
3. Donate online. Your donation of as little as $5 at milklife.com will help provide a gallon of milk to a family in need in your local community, helping provide children with the good nutrition they need to experience the joys of this holiday season.

Fresh milk is not donated often due to its short shelf life. Still, milk is one of the most requested, but least donated items at food banks. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person, per year.  

Since 2014, Feeding America has partnered with The Great American Milk Drive to help provide more milk to families who may otherwise go without. Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief and food rescue organization in the United States and serves more than 46 million Americans, including 12 million children.

The Great American Milk Drive is made possible by the nation's dairy farmers and milk brands.

About Cheryl's
For over 30 years, Cheryl's gourmet cookies and desserts, especially our famous buttercream cookies, have been great to share with family and friends. With easy cookie delivery across the United States, no matter where your friends, family, or business partners may live, it's easy to send cookie gifts to deliver a smile.

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.

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.

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1} *For every purchase of M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies product purchased at Walmart between 11/7/16 and 12/25/16, Mars Chocolate, Inc.® will contribute $5.00 to Feeding America® on behalf of its national network of food banks to secure and deliver one (1) half-gallon of milk or more based on local markets. Maximum contribution is $100,000. ©2016 America's Milk Companies®. ®/TM trademarks ©Mars, Incorporated

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SOURCE The Great American Milk Drive

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