According to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet there is a nationwide shortage because it is rarely donated. America’s milk companies and dairy farmers, along with the American Dairy Association of Indiana, have helped to create The Great American Milk Drive, the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.

More people are turning to local food banks compared to four years ago. Increasingly, food banks have introduced nutrition criteria for the meals served to clients. More than two-thirds of the groceries distributed by the Feeding America network meet Feeding America’s “Foods To Encourage” guideline, based on the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines which include a serving of milk.

“We have a responsibility to make sure we are getting those in need the most nutritious food possible,” said Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America. “Providing nourishing items like milk and fresh produce makes a huge difference in the nutritional quality of the meals we’re able to provide and hopefully makes a real difference in our clients’ lives.”

With a simple click of a mouse or text message (text “Milk” to 90999), it is now possible to buy much-needed milk and donate it for as little as $5.00 to a family who does not have regular access to milk. By entering your zip code, you can ensure that the milk is delivered to a local Feeding America food bank in your very own community. Any donation made between now and May 25 will be matched by America’s milk companies and dairy farmers.