Greater Lansing Food Bank (GLFB), along with our fellow Feeding America partner food banks across the state, partnered with our friends at Kroger and United Dairy Industry of Michigan for the Great Michigan Milk Drive. For the entire month of August, every donation made at checkout at our mid-Michigan Kroger stores stayed local and helped us provide fresh milk to our neighbors.
“At Kroger, we believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food, regardless of their circumstances,” said Cam Barrett, corporate affairs manager at Kroger Co. Michigan.
Milk and fresh dairy are some of the most needed items at food banks. However, donating dairy presents unique challenges; dairy products require proper storage and handling to ensure they remain safe to consume. GLFB has the infrastructure to refrigerate these items effectively and make sure they reach neighbors safely through our mobile food pantries and partner agencies.
“By partnering with food banks and our generous customers, we can help provide a reliable source of nutrition to those who need it most, supporting the overall well-being of our communities,” Barrett said.
Last year, GLFB distributed nearly 1.2 million pounds of dairy to our neighbors. Dairy items, like milk, cheese and yogurt, are rich sources of essential nutrients that can significantly impact the health and well-being of our neighbors facing food insecurity. For those who rely on food banks, receiving dairy can mean a healthier and more balanced diet, which is essential for overall health and development, especially for children and the elderly.
“Dairy products like milk are essential for a healthy diet, especially for growing children,” Barrett said. “Through the Great Michigan Milk Drive, we’re committed to bridging this gap and ensuring that our neighbors have access to the fresh dairy they need.”
Donations from retail partners like Kroger not only help feed our neighbors — they also play a key role in reducing food waste in mid-Michigan and nationwide. Often food is safe to eat, but cannot be sold — such as those with damaged packaging or nearing their sell-by date — and retail partners like Kroger help keep food out of landfills and instead in the pantries and tables of people who need it.
“We are committed to minimizing food waste and maximizing the utilization of safe and edible food,” Barrett said. “We want to make sure that as much food as possible fulfills its highest purpose: feeding people. It is our belief that every edible item should be utilized to its fullest potential, and we are proud to play a role in achieving this goal.”
The Great Michigan Milk Drive was an important effort in our goal to increase the amount of dairy we have available for our neighbors.