NeedMilkWV

In March, the West Virginia Family Nutrition Program, Mountaineer Foodbank, Facing Hunger Foodbank and the American Dairy Association Mideast are challenging schools and community members to raise money for shelf-stable milk that can be distributed through school food pantries and backpack programs. These programs provide vital nutrients for children on weekends and in the summer when school meals are not available. On average, people served by food banks receive the equivalent of less than 1 gallon per person per year. That’s because while Americans are generous with their food bank donations of canned and dry goods, fresh milk is much harder to donate because it’s perishable. Even though milk is one of the most requested items, it’s difficult for food banks to meet the demand – especially in the summer months and during the winter holidays, when schools are not in session and food banks are often busier.