Be An Angel This Holiday: Donate Nutrient-Rich Milk For Kids In Your Community

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For many of us, the holidays aren't complete without milk and cookies or a cozy cup of hot cocoa. But families in need in your community may be missing out on milk and its nine essential nutrients this holiday season.

More than 46 million Americans – including 12 million children – rely on Feeding America food banks. Milk is one of the most requested yet least donated items year-round, but even more so during the holidays when food banks are even busier. 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 is the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most. To date, more than 6.7 million servings of milk have been delivered as part of The Great American Milk Drive and Feeding America's commitment to help families get much-desired nutrient-rich milk.

On #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving on December 1, and throughout the holidays, The Great American Milk Drive is helping to make the season brighter for families facing hunger with the gift of nutrient-rich milk. Milk isn't just a drink—it's a nutrient powerhouse providing 9 essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein in each 8 ounce serving.

As you gather with family and friends this season, don't just get together - give together. Be an angel for a family in need and join The Great American Milk Drive and Feeding America in The Holiday Give Together. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that nutrient-rich milk is delivered to a local food bank to help nourish children in your own community.

"Milk is an easy and affordable way to provide much needed nourishment to children who might otherwise miss out on it this holiday season," said Victor Zaborsky, vice president of marketing of the Milk Processor Education Program. "As Americans continue to give thanks around bountiful holiday tables this season, food banks across the country are stretched thin as they try to provide for families in need. The Great American Milk Drive is helping to change that for the families who need milk's high-quality protein the most."

Making a Difference in Your Community
There are a number of ways that you can be an angel for kids and families in your own community this season by contributing to The Great American Milk Drive:

• Join The Holiday Give Together. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that nutrient-rich milk is delivered to a local food bank to help nourish children in your own community. Visit CrowdRise.com/HolidayGiveTogether for more information.
• Donate at check-out at your local grocery retailer – a full list of participating stores is available at milklife.com/give.
• Purchase any 2 bags of M&M's candies (9.4 oz or larger) this season at your local Walmart store, and a gallon of milk will be delivered to a family in need through The Great American Milk Drive and Feeding America. Visit myconfectioncorner.com for more information.

Food Banks Wishing For More Milk This Holiday Season
On average, food bank clients receive the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year, leaving many families with limited access to milk's essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving and three of the top nutrients most likely to be missing in the American diet – calcium, vitamin D and potassium.

Learn more about The Great American Milk Drive and Feeding America at milklife.com/give, where donations are accepted all year long.

About Feeding America
Feeding America is a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. Together, we provide food to more than 46 million people through 60,000 food pantries and meal programs 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 www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

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. 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 funded by the national dairy checkoff program, 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 has taken a leadership role in 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 www.NationalDairyCouncil.org  or follow @NtlDairyCouncil on Twitter.

SOURCE MilkPEP