MADISON, WI – The gallon of milk you consider a staple in your refrigerator is missing in many of America's food banks.
The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) is sharing information about the Great American Milk Drive – the first-ever program that will deliver the opportunity to purchase milk to hungry families. The Great American Milk Drive was brought about by the nation's milk processors and National Dairy Council partnering with Feeding America, the leading domestic hunger-relief charity.
Hunger can be an invisible issue, but it's happening in our communities. It's a problem that impacts 1 in 6 Americans, including more than 12.5 million families – about 740,000 people right here in Wisconsin. These include children who don't have dependable, consistent access to enough food due to their family's limited resources. These are kids who are not simply going hungry, they're missing out on the nourishment they need to reach their full potential.
That's where you can help make a difference. Food banks can't meet the demand because milk is rarely donated - most contributions include canned goods and other non-perishable items. Feeding America and Second Harvest food banks, receive the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year.
Your donations become local and are shared with food banks in zip codes linked to where the donation is made. You might also consider sharing a note or link about the Great American Milk Drive on your personal Facebook pages or social media accounts to help spread the word. This truly is a neighbor helping neighbor initiative to achieve a more nutritious diet.
With a simple click of a mouse (
www.milklife.com/give) or text message (text MILK to 27722) it will now be possible to buy much-needed milk and donate it for as little as $5.00 to a family in your area who does not have regular access to milk. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that the coupon for milk is delivered to a local Feeding America or Second Harvest food bank in your own community. Every dollar collected will go to purchase and deliver fresh, nutritious milk to these hungry families.
It's a big idea, and WMMB is excited to share the initiative and make a difference in the lives of hungry families. If you would like to make a small personal donation please go to
MilkLife.com/give
For more information about the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board visit
www.EatWisconsinCheese.com.