The Great American Milk Drive makes it easy to deliver fresh milk to Indiana’s food banks to make the season brighter for families in need
Indianapolis, IN December 14, 2015 – For many of us, the holidays aren’t complete without milk and cookies or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. But families in need in your community may be missing out on milk and its nine essential nutrients this holiday season.
More than 48 million Americans – including 1.1 million Hoosiers – struggle with food insecurity. That’s why The Great American Milk Drive is helping to make the season brighter for families facing hunger with the gift of nutrient-rich milk. Milk isn’t just a drink—it’s a nutrient powerhouse providing 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8 ounce serving. You can be an angel for a family in need in Indiana and help to deliver a gallon of milk, including its high-quality protein, when you support of The Great American Milk Drive this season. Visit Walmart this holiday season and purchase any 2 bags of M&M’s candies (9.4oz or larger) and up to a gallon of milk will be donated to The Great American Milk Drive. “Walmart is dedicated to fighting to end hunger in our communities, and the holiday season is the perfect time for you to join the effort,” said Kevin Thompson with Walmart. “When you pick items for your family at your local Walmart store, consider donating a gallon of milk to a local family in need, too.” Food Banks Wishing For More Milk This Holiday Season On average, food bank clients receive the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year, leaving many families with limited access to milk’s essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein. The Great American Milk Drive is the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most. To date, more than 6.7 million servings of milk have been delivered as part of The Great American Milk Drive and Feeding America’s commitment to help families get much-desired nutrient-rich milk. “Milk is the top food source of three of the nutrients most likely to be missing in the American diet – calcium, vitamin D and potassium,” said Deb Osza, General Manager of the American Dairy Association of Indiana. “That’s why during the holidays we are focused on making the season brighter for hungry families in our communities with the gift of nutrient-rich milk.”
Donations are also accepted at milklife.com/give, and for as little as $5 at milklife.com/give, you can be an angel for a family in need in your community by helping to deliver a gallon of milk to their table. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that the milk is delivered to a local Feeding America member food bank in your area.
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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 Feeding Indiana’s Hungry Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, Inc. is the statewide association of Feeding America affiliated food banks. Member food banks include: Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, Gary Food Bank of Northern Indiana, South Bend Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., Lafayette Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana, Ft. Wayne Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., Muncie Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Terre Haute Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Bloomington Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., Evansville Dare to Care Food Bank, Louisville, KY Freestore Foodbank, Cincinnati, OH 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 funded by the national dairy checkoff program, 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 has taken a leadership role in 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 or follow @NtlDairyCouncil on Twitter.