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[RETAILER] JOINS FEEDING AMERICA TO BRING MILK TO [CITY]CHILDREN IN NEED

You Can Help Feed A Childhood When You Donate Nutrient Rich Milk At Local [RETAILER] Locations

[CITY],[ST], [MONTH DAY],2017–Childhood should be filled with playing, learning and growing. But for many children who face hunger, even basic staples like milk – and the nutrients that help power childhood activities – are missing.

Each year, more than 46 million Americans – including 12 million children – are served byFeeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.According to Feeding America, milk is one of the most requested, but least donated items at food banks, meaning children in need across the country are missing out on the essential nutrients, including high-quality protein, it supplies. On average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year. That’s because while Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, many don’t think to donate milk because it’s perishable.

The Great American Milk Drive, the first-ever national programto help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to children in need, has delivered more than 1 million gallons – that’s over 16 million servings –of milk to-date to Feeding America.OR – [CUSTOM PROGRAM NAME (as applicable)is working to help ensure kids in need have access to the good nutrition that fuels childhood.]

Hunger has no boundaries and is a problem that exists in urban, suburban and rural communities. In fact, [INSERT LOCAL HUNGER STAT FROM: The gift of nutrient-rich milk can help feed a childhood and help kids in need realize their potential with full and well-nourished tummies.

Map the Meal Gap shows how hunger impacts every county in the country. With its network of 200 food banks and more than 60,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters throughout the country, Feeding America helps provide food to children in need – including many in [CITY].

It’s been a challenge for Feeding America to meet the demand for milk due to the lack of donations, but now it’s easier for [CITY] residents to lend a hand and contribute nutritious milk to local food insecure families.

[RETAILER][and CORPORATE SPONSORS][is/are] joining [FOOD BANK, INDUSTRY ORGANIZATION, ETC.] to support[The Great American Milk Drive OR CUSTOM PROGRAM NAME (as applicable)]. From [START DATE] through [END DATE], shoppers at [RETAILER] stores in the [CITY] areacan make a donation at checkout to help feed a childhood right here in our own community.

[IF APPLICABLE] And, on [EVENT DATE], [EVENT STORE LOCATION] will be hosting an event to kick off The Great American Milk Drive program, with a special appearance from [LOCAL ATHLETE/CELEB/FIGUREHEAD].

“[RETAILER] is dedicated to fighting to end hunger in our communities,” said [RETAILER REPRESENTATIVE]. “When you pick up a gallon of milk for your family at your local [RETAILER] store, consider donating one to a local family in need, too.”

Your small donation made in-store or online at milklife.com/give(or custom URL, as applicable)will deliver a gallon of milk to a family in need in your local community, helping to ensure that all children have the potential to play, learn and grow. By entering your zip code when you donate online, you can ensure that the milk is delivered to a local Feeding America food bank in your very own community.

America’s milk brands and dairy farmers are committed to fighting hunger in our communities through this partnership with Feeding America. Together, the dairy community has set a goal of providing 50 million servings of milk, and its essential nutrients, to kids and families in need by 2020.

Nourishing Our Nation – The Need Is Greater Than Ever

Many Americans are pressured financially due to a convergence of economic stresses – which means more people are turning to their local food bank for help. Increasingly, food banks have introduced nutrition criteria for the meals served to clients. More than two-thirds of the groceries distributed by the Feeding America network meet Feeding America’s “Foods To Encourage” guideline, based on the USDA’s MyPlate, which includes a serving of dairy, such as milk.

A recent network survey of Feeding America food banks revealed that 94 percent of respondents are actively working on improving the nutritional quality of meals provided to food bank clients. Yet, 95 percent of those surveyed say they do not receive enough milk to meet the demand. The number one reason cited is inadequate milk donations.

Milk tops the list of the food items most requested by food bank participants (85 percent), followed by fresh fruits (77 percent) and fresh vegetables (74 percent). While several recent initiatives have focused on getting more produce into feeding programs, The Great American Milk Drive is the first program to help resolve the milk shortage.

“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 [LOCAL DAIRY COUNCIL RD]. “That’s why we are focused on providing nutrient-rich milk to hungry families to help power the play, learning and growth of children in our communities.”

Feeding Americathanks those who join The Great American Milk Drive to help feed a childhood for a kid in need in their own community.With a small donation atmilklife.com/give(or custom URL, as applicable),your donation will deliver milk to the Feeding America food bank that serves your community when you enter your zip code.

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About Feeding America

Feeding America is a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46.5 million people through 61,000 food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters 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 FeedingAmerica.org. Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

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. Lowe 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 founded by dairy farmers, 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 is committed to 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

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