Through its DFA Cares Foundation, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national dairy cooperative owned by family farmers, is making good use of Northeast Area milk by donating one truckload, or the equivalent of approximately 4,300 gallons of milk, to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., which is part of the national Feeding America network.
The milk donation, which was processed at DFA’s Dairy Maid Dairy plant in Frederick, Md., was picked up by representatives of the Capital Area Food Bank on Wednesday, January 3. The milk will help feed more than 540,000 adults and children served by the food bank throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
“As a milk processor owned by family farmers across the country, we are dedicated to helping provide nutritious food for family tables,” says Dave Staz, General Manager, Dairy Maid Dairy. “It’s truly an honor to make this donation, which will help make milk available to individuals and families in the D.C. area who need it most.”
In the Washington, D.C., area, 700,000 residents are at risk of hunger and look to the Capital Area Food Bank and its partners for food assistance each year. Nationally, according to FeedingAmerica.org, more than 46 million people, including 13 million children, turn to food banks each year for extra support.
“We especially appreciate donations that include nutrient-rich foods like milk,” says Jody Tick, Chief Operating Officer at the Capital Area Food Bank. “Due to its perishability, milk is rarely donated; yet, it’s highly requested by our clients, so this donation will go a long way in helping provide solid nutrition for individuals and families in our area.”
The Capital Area Food Bank donation was made possible through the DFA Cares Foundation, which was established in 2005 as a nonprofit charitable organization. Through the DFA Cares Foundation, DFA provides disaster relief via product and monetary donations, invests in the future of the industry with scholarships to students pursuing careers in dairy and contributes dairy food and products for those in need.
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is a national dairy marketing cooperative that serves and is owned by more than 13,000 members on nearly 8,000 farms in 48 states. DFA also is one of the country’s most diversified manufacturers of dairy products, food components and ingredients, and is a leader in formulating and packaging shelf-stable dairy products. For more information, call 1-888-DFA-MILK (332-6455) or visit dfamilk.com.
