The Nation's Milk Processors Launch the 'Great Gallon Give' to Help Make It Easier for Hispanics to Build Strong Families in 2010

USA - English

• USA - English
• USA - English

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- With the start of the New Year, the nation's milk processors want to make it easier for Hispanics to set the table with milk and build strong families in 2010.

The National Milk Mustache 'got milk?' Campaign launched a new initiative today called the "Great Gallon Give" with the help of actor, author and dad Cristian de la Fuente, who is appearing in his first milk mustache ad along with his wife and daughter. The new program will give away hundreds of thousands of gallons of milk -- the equivalent of more than three million servings -- to help raise awareness of the important role milk plays in building strong families. Events are scheduled from coast to coast to give out the gallons and families can register to win a year's free supply of milk at whymilk.com.

The "Great Gallon Give" will also make it possible to help families in need by passing a virtual gallon of milk to friends on Facebook (Facebook.com/MilkMustache). For every virtual gallon passed, $1 will go to Feeding America, the country's largest network of food banks that serves more than 25 million people facing hunger in this country. In addition, milk processors will be donating thousands of real gallons of milk to local food banks in the Feeding America network.

"We want to salute moms for all they do to help build strong families," said Vivien Godfrey, CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program. "When you sit down to a meal together, you're doing something good for your family. When you set the table with milk, you are providing your family with one of the most nourishing choices possible."

Go to eligeleche.com to find out if the Great Gallon Give is coming to your town. Local events are planned for 20 markets from coast to coast. In total, more than 200,000 gallons of milk will be distributed. While there, you can register for a chance to win a year's worth of free milk. The first 125,000 people to enter the contest will receive a downloadable coupon for free milk with purchase.

Milk's Role in Building a Strong Family

Milk is naturally nutrient-rich like no other beverage and provides a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that are important for all family members. Milk is not only one of the richest sources of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones, it's also a good source of high-quality protein for lean muscle and B vitamins for energy. Making sure that milk is always on the table is an easy way you can help build a strong family.

"Milk is an easy and affordable way for moms to celebrate their family and make sure they get the nutrients they need," Godfrey said. "At less than 25 cents per glass, milk is a great nutritional bargain. It offers more nutrients per penny than virtually any other drink. The nutrients in milk are particularly important for growing children, who frequently fall short in calcium, vitamin D and potassium - all nutrients supplied by milk."

In recent years, soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks have been edging out milk at mealtime, but these drinks do not provide the nourishment kids need. Studies show that kids who regularly drink low-fat milk have better quality diets, stronger bones and tend to be leaner.

"I know that milk is a valuable part of building a stronger family," said Cristian. "For me milk is the best choice. It supplies so many nutrients that are important for my daughter's development -- and to my overall health, too. I encourage all Hispanics to help build a strong family in 2010 by setting their table with milk."

Cristian de la Fuente's new milk mustache ad reinforces his dedication to milk for his family:

Fountain of Wellness.

Like love, milk strengthens the family.

That is why we drink it at home daily.

Both low-fat milk and fat-free milk have exactly the same 9 essential nutrients as whole milk -- fortifying our wellness.

The new ad will debut in print magazines nationwide in January. Visit Eligeleche.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Cristian's ad shoot and learn more about how he builds a strong family.

Eligeleche.com also features a variety of content designed to help you build a strong family. The site features the latest tips, information and stories from Milk Mustache celebrities and expert contributors, such as Su-Nui Escobar, Milk's resident nutritionist who is helping to launch the new initiative with delicious recipes that help build strong families.

To start participating in the Great Gallon Give, visit Eligeleche.com to download your coupon for a free gallon of milk and register to win a year's supply of free milk.

About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"(R) Campaign

The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the national Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to eligeleche.com. The tagline "got milk?"(R) was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides food to more than 25 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States each year. The Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks serves all 50 states and supports about 63,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need.

The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the national Milk Mustache "got milk?" Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.eligeleche.com. The tagline "got milk?"(R) was created for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby Silverstein & Partners and is licensed by the national milk processor and dairy producer groups.

SOURCE MilkPEP (Milk Processor Education Program)