The Nation's Milk Processors Launch the 'Great Gallon Give' to Help Make it Easier for America's Moms to Build Strong Families in 2010

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- With the start of the New Year, the nation's milk processors want to make it easier for America's moms to set the table with milk and build strong families in 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100111/AQ35097)

The National Milk Mustache 'got milk?' Campaign launched a new initiative today called the "Great Gallon Give" with the help of actress and mom Rebecca Romijn, who is appearing in her second milk mustache ad - this time with her twin daughters. The new program will give away hundreds of thousands of gallons of milk - the equivalent of more than three million servings - to help raise awareness of the important role milk plays in building strong families. Events are scheduled from coast-to-coast to give out the gallons and families can register to win a year's free supply of milk at whymilk.com.

The "Great Gallon Give" will also make it possible to help families in need by passing a virtual gallon of milk to friends on Facebook (Facebook.com/MilkMustache). For every virtual gallon passed, $1 will go to Feeding America, up to $100,000. Feeding America is the country's largest network of food banks that serves more than 25 million people facing hunger in this country. In addition, milk processors will be donating thousands of real gallons of milk to local food banks in the Feeding America network.

"We want to salute moms for all they do to help build strong families," said Vivien Godfrey, CEO of the Milk Processor Education Program. "When you sit down to a meal together, you're doing something good for your family. When you set the table with milk, you are providing your family with one of the most nourishing choices possible."

Go to whymilk.com to find out if the Great Gallon Give is coming to your town. Local events are planned for 20 markets from coast-to-coast. In total, more than 200,000 gallons of milk will be distributed. While there, you can register for a chance to win a year's worth of free milk. The first 125,000 people to enter the contest will receive a downloadable coupon for free milk with purchase.

Milk's Role in Building a Strong Family

Milk is naturally nutrient-rich like no other beverage and provides a unique combination of vitamins and minerals that are important for all family members. Milk is not only the leading food source of calcium and vitamin D important for strong bones, it's also a good source of high-quality protein for lean muscle and B vitamins for energy. Making sure that milk is always on the table is an easy way you can help build a strong family.

"Milk is an easy and affordable way for moms to celebrate their family and make sure they get the nutrients they need," Godfrey said. "At less than 25 cents per glass, milk is a great nutritional bargain. It offers more nutrients per penny than virtually any other drink. The nutrients in milk are particularly important for growing children, who frequently fall short in calcium, vitamin D, and potassium- all nutrients supplied by milk."

In recent years, soft drinks and sugary fruit drinks have been edging out milk at mealtime, but these drinks do not provide the nourishment kids need. Studies show that kids who regularly drink lowfat milk have better quality diets, stronger bones and tend to be leaner.

"I know that milk is a valuable part of building a stronger family," said Romijn. "For me milk is the best choice. It supplies so many nutrients that are important for my children's development - and to my overall health, too. I encourage all moms to make it easier to build a strong family in 2010 by setting their table with milk."

Romijn's new milk mustache ad reinforces her dedication to milk for her family:

    Mother Nurture.
    My leading role?
    Being a mom. So I drink milk.
    It's naturally nutrient rich like no other beverage.
    Besides calcium, milk is packed with protein and B vitamins to help build
     strong families.
    Just one more thing to cherish.

The new ad will debut in January 15 in People and Us Weekly. Visit whymilk.com for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from Romijn's ad shoot and learn more about how she builds a strong family.

Whymilk.com also features a variety of content designed to help you build a strong family. The site features the latest tips, information and stories from Milk Mustache celebrities and expert contributors, such as Anita Renfroe, a real mom turned YouTube "Phe-mom-enon," who is helping to launch the new initiative with her helpful and humorous tips on how to build a strong family. Also, by using the "Milk for All Ages" tool on the site, you can determine how milk helps you and your family be your best at any age.

To start participating in the Great Gallon Give, visit WhyMilk.com to download your coupon for a free gallon of milk and register to win a year's supply of free milk.

About the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign

The Milk Processor Education Program (MilkPEP), Washington, D.C., is funded by the nation's milk processors, who are committed to increasing fluid milk consumption. The MilkPEP Board runs the National Milk Mustache "got milk?"® Campaign, a multi-faceted campaign designed to educate consumers about the health benefits of milk. For more information, go to www.whymilk.com. Lowe New York is the creative agency for the National Milk Mustache "got milk?" ® Campaign.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides food to more than 25 million low-income people facing hunger in the United States each year. The Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks serves all 50 states and supports about 63,000 local charitable agencies and 70,000 programs, which provide food directly to individuals and families in need.

SOURCE Milk Processor Education Program

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