[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text visibility=”all”]Virginia-Based Maola Milk Purchased Through the Milk for Good program
Reston, Va., March 7, 2019: January marked the launch of the Milk for Good campaign, Virginia’s first dairy purchase program for food banks. Funded by a $50,000 grant provided by Farm Credit of the Virginias, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, and Colonial Farm Credit, the grant will supply food banks across the state with fresh, local Maola milk for six months. The goal of the initiative is to provide patrons of Virginia food banks with access to milk and the calcium, protein, vitamin D, and other valuable nutrients it provides.
According to food bank officials, milk is one of the most requested, but least donated, items. The Milk for Good campaign will reduce the number of people going without milk, providing essential dairy goodness to hungry families. Beginning in January 2019, the campaign will purchase 700 gallons per week over a 24-week period for the federation’s seven food banks. “This is a milk purchase program for getting food insecure families the extra help that they need, and the first statewide project of its kind in Virginia,” said Eddie Oliver, executive director of the federation.
Besides providing an additional way for food banks to supply patrons with the vital nutrients milk provides, the Milk for Good program works to strengthen Virginia’s dairy industry. “Maola Milk is a Virginia brand, sourced locally from Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative member farmers,” said Lindsay Reames, Director for Sustainability & External Relations. “We’re proud to bring the best nutrition, value and products to our customers and consumers in every arena.”
“Milk for Good is a win-win for our farmers and communities by creating an additional market for Virginia dairy farmers to provide nutrient-rich, wholesome milk to those most in need, especially children and their families served by food banks,” said Peery Heldreth, CEO of Farm Credit of the Virginias. “This program not only puts fresh milk in the homes of needy families, it is good for our farmers in the dairy industry,” said Paul Franklin, CEO of Colonial Farm Credit.
CONTACT: Lindsay Reames, 804-370-4324, lreames@mdvamilk.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]