Retailers, dairy brands and dairy farmers partner in The Great American Milk Drive
A regional effort to encourage milk donations to food banks has helped thousands of New Englanders in need.
The Great American Milk Drive, a national initiative aimed at providing highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to Feeding America® food banks, has been the focus of several local campaigns organized by the New England Dairy Promotion Board and its retail partners, including Hannaford Supermarkets and Adams Hometown Markets, and manufacturer partners including HP Hood, Guida's Dairy, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Booth Brothers, and Monument Farms Dairy. Playing a key role has been the dairy farm families of New England.
"Our efforts have raised thousands of dollars and resulted in the direct donation of hundreds of gallons of milk for food banks in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont," says Jill Monti, Regional Marketing Manager for New England Dairy Promotion Board. "This initiative was supported by dairy farmers across New England, and we're pleased that we've made a difference in the lives of families struggling to put wholesome food on the table."
In addition to grocery store-based campaigns and events, support came from the Edible New England Publications (Edible Boston, Edible Green Mountains, etc.) which donated a portion of every new subscription resulting from its fall subscription drive.
Farm Credit East Cares Community Fund, a charitable community fund established in 2011, also donated $1,000 to the effort via a gift to Foodshare, which serves families in need in the Greater Hartford (CT) area.
Milk is frequently requested by families in need, yet it is seldom donated because while Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don't think to donate milk because it's perishable. Because of this need, shoppers at major food retailers were asked to directly donate gallons during special events or make cash donations at the register upon checkout.
"Hannaford is committed to helping fight hunger through regular product and financial donations, as well as partnerships such as The Great American Milk Drive," said Sherri Stevens, community relations specialist for the grocer. "The milk donated by Hannaford customers makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors struggling to provide their families with nutritious meals."
"It was great to see the outpouring of support for this worthy cause by our local customers for their needy neighbors at this time of year," said Tony Groszew, Director of Sales, Adams Hometown Markets. The retailer just completed a donation program this fall.
The donated milk is being distributed by the Connecticut Food Bank, the Vermont Foodbank, and the New Hampshire Food Bank. Additional events to support Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island food banks are also in the works.
For more information on The Great American Milk Drive, visit www.mustbethemilk.com/milkdrive/
1.12.2015