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Cache County Event Milks Donations For Needy

Glass of milk
www.niaid.nih.gov

A national movement is underway, drawing attention to the growing need for milk among food assistance recipients.

The Great American Milk Drive kick-off event for Utah took place Sept. 17 at Lee’s Marketplace in Logan.

The campaign combines the efforts of dairy farmers, dairy companies and food banks to deliver two million gallons of milk to food banks across the country.

The drive was launched in April; however, Wednesday’s event was the first in the state according to Kristi Spence, vice president of communications for Diary Farmers of Utah.

“Milk is one of the least donated, but most-requested items at food banks, and so the goal is to get milk to the families that need it most,” Spence said.

Spence said milk is not typically donated to food banks because donors try to contribute items that won’t perish. She said milk, packed with vitamins and minerals, is an important staple for the diets of families receiving support from food banks.  

The Logan event saw a great turnout, according to Spence, with many individuals donating gallons to the cause. However, she said the overall goal is to create long-term change.

“Events are wonderful, but we want to really create a system that creates an infrastructure to make sure that milk gets to food pantries, and so they don’t get inundated one time and have a scarcity the rest of the year,” Spence said.

Along with Lee’s Marketplace, Smith’s and Walmart stores across the state are also scheduled to hold events this month. Gossner Foods Inc. in Cache Valley has also pledged to match all gallons donated at the inaugural event.  

For more information on the movement, visit the campaign’s website.