Dairy Association donating gallons of free milk
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. is hosting a milk donation giveaway at the Indiana State Fair Dairy Bar. The association says it is now in its third week serving as a distribution site for Child and Adult Care Feeding Programs.
The effort is supported by Indiana dairy farm families, along with donations from Dean’s and Prairie Farms, and the association says it has distributed about 1,400 gallons of milk to those in need. Additionally, the association will open to CACFP programs in the South Bend area and it will distribute the milk on Friday.
“The American Dairy Association of Indiana has been out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds here in Marion County passing out gallons of milk,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. “We want to stress, now that kids are at home, we want to get more milk in the hands of families that need it the most. We’re giving it to day cares, we’re going to be standing up one of these facilities this Friday in South Bend, Indiana.”
Holcomb went on to say that there is plenty of milk available and that there is no shortage.
The association says it is hearing similar stories from across the state.
“Heritage Ridge Creamery donated nearly 1,700 lbs of cheese to Second Helpings Indy, dairy farmers are reading some of their favorite stories to families on social media, virtual dairy farms are educating and entertaining children and parents at home, and when they have a moment to sit down, we know there are dairy advocates out there sewing masks for those on the front lines,” said Jenni Browning, chief executive officer of the American Dairy Association Indiana.
According to Browning, schools all across the state are also stepping up and continuing to serve dairy products in their take home meals.
When asked about milk disposal, Browning said she was aware of some farms that have had to dispose of the milk they worked hard to make. “A lot of people are confused about why this is happening – While shoppers cleared out milk cases at grocery stores a couple weeks ago, that’s not making up for the closings of restaurants and schools. There’s no way to offset how much loss we’re seeing with school closings and food service even when people are buying an extra gallon of milk.”
The dairy association says 7% of fluid milk volume moves through schools, and food service accounts for over 40% of cheese usage. Processors in Indiana report that they have an adequate dairy supply.
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