CONTACT: Jenelle Jagmin517-614-4368Jenelle@fbcmich.org

Lansing, Mich. (June 24, 2015) – The Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) announced today Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) has donated over 22,500 gallons of milk to its statewide hunger-relief efforts.

The donation was announced this morning at a special press event hosted on the farm of MMPA dairy farmers Mark and Fred Halbert in Battle Creek. The milk will be divided among the state’s regional food banks which serve all 83 Michigan counties. Currently over 20 percent of Michigan children are considered food insecure. The donation will help improve nutrition for children who struggle to have enough food to grow healthy minds and bodies.

“Our dairy farmer owners are happy to make this donation to the children, seniors and families struggling with hunger in our local communities,” MMPA President and dairy farmer Ken Nobis said. “We’ve been a Michigan company for nearly 100 years, and we’re proud to continue our cooperative’s tradition of giving back. What better way to serve those struggling with hunger than the healthy, natural, nutrient powerhouse that is milk?”

In total, MMPA donated 200,000 pounds of milk which was processed at cost by Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. The resulting 22,700 gallons of 2 percent white milk will offer nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving and three of the nutrients most likely to be missing in the American diet – calcium, vitamin D and potassium, to Michiganders in need.

Milk is one of the most requested, yet underprovided items at local donation centers. Prior to this donation, the average food bank was only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year.

“This donation comes at a time of great need,” said Dr. Phillip Knight, executive director of Food Bank Council of Michigan. “During summer vacation, thousands of Michigan students are no longer able to rely on the meal they received at school. Thanks to MMPA and Prairie Farms Dairy Inc., food banks throughout the state will be able to provide milk to children and families in need.”

###

About the Food Bank Council of Michigan

Founded in 1984, the Food Bank Council of Michigan (FBCM) provides statewide leadership to food banks in their efforts to alleviate hunger. FBCM works with its seven regional food banks and over 3,000 hunger relief agencies, private companies, farmers, state and federal officials and other allies to make sure Michiganders do not go without food. For more information about the Food Bank Council of Michigan, visit www.fbcmich.org or call 517-485-1202.

About Michigan Milk Producers Association

Michigan Milk Producers Association, established in 1916, is a member owned and operated dairy cooperative serving approximately 2,000 dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin and Ohio. Each year, MMPA’s dairy farm families produce over half a billion gallons of milk for families in Michigan, the U.S. and the world. For more information about Michigan Milk Producers Association, visit www.mimilk.com or call 248-474-6672.