Did you know that one in six kids in the U.S. faces hunger? It's even worse in the summer because they might not have access to free or reduced-price school meals. You and I both know that kids should never go hungry. This is a crucial time for their development.
That’s why America's dairy community is doing even more this year for World Milk Day and National Dairy Month. Building on its commitment to nourish people, it is joining forces with Feeding America and local communities to help provide nutritious food for kids facing hunger.
Dairy farmers have a 100-year legacy of making children’s health and wellness a priority through National Dairy Council (NDC). The commitment remains strong today with Fuel Up to Play 60, founded by NDC and the NFL, with support from USDA. Fuel Up to Play 60 is in more than 70,000 U.S. schools with an aim of improving nutrition and physical activity. The program receives additional support from GENYOUth, an organization founded through the dairy checkoff with Fuel Up to Play 60 serving as its flagship program.
So how can you help kids?
Food banks provide critically needed nourishment — including milk and dairy foods — to millions of Americans, but they are struggling to meet demand. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than 1 gallon of milk per person per year.
On June 1 — World Milk Day — we would like you to help bring awareness to childhood hunger by sharing our promotional materials (they are available in the Dairy Hub) and asking your friends and family to donate milk in your community through www.giveagallon.com.
When people give through this site, the Great American Milk Drive will provide fresh, wholesome milk with its high-quality protein to kids and families in need. Donations can even be localized by adding your zip code so you can make a difference within your own communities.
Don't wait. On #worldmilkday, please give a gift of nutritious food to those most in need and then share this with everyone you know.
The author is a Senior Vice President of Digital Initiatives at Dairy Management Inc.
