Farmers Feed Local Families in Need
​One in 5 Californians have uncertain or inconsistent access to food. That's why California's dairy farm families are continually doing their part to help feed those in need. ​
In 2023, California dairy organizations collectively donated more than 3.6 million pounds of dairy products to local food banks. ​
This includes donations of milk and cheese, as well as yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, evaporated milk, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, and more. ​Additionally, the U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture purchases tens of millions of pounds of dairy products per year that are provided to Californians in need through various government programs. Milk continues to be one of the most requested items at California's local food banks.
California's Food Security Leaders Say...
​“Milk is central to many Californians — and it’s one of the most coveted items sought by food bank visitors. California dairy families' partnership and contributions help source nutritious milk and dairy foods for families facing food insecurity throughout the state. We are grateful to California dairy farmers and the California Milk Advisory Board for their commitment to providing more dairy to those who need it most.”
- Stacia Levenfeld, CEO,
California Association of Food Banks
​“The Kings Community Action Organization Food Bank is committed to serving individuals and families. The invaluable support from the dairy industry has advanced our mission. By providing milk and dairy foods to vulnerable populations, we have strengthened our efforts in combating food insecurity.”
- Jeff Garner, Executive Director,
Kings Community Action Organization
Dairy's Role in School Meals
School meals play a vital role in providing a safety net and ensuring nutrition security for children, supporting their growth, development, and academic success by offering consistent access to nutritious food. California schools make available both a nutritiously adequate breakfast and lunch for, not just needy children, but all children each school day. Milk and dairy foods are key components of these meals, offering nutrient-dense, affordable, and appealing options. Scroll to learn about Dairy Council of California’s Let's Eat Healthy initiative, which works to promote lifelong healthy eating habits and sustainable solutions that enhance community health, ensuring that wholesome foods like milk and dairy are accessible to all.
Dairy Critical to Nourishing Communities
Dairy’s nutritional contribution is critical for key life stages, improving nutrition security and supporting optimal health. Providing culturally relevant dairy options and pairings is also critical to improving nutrition security. ​Access to nutritious and familiar foods like dairy will go a long way in improving the health of people and communities. Those most affected by nutrition insecurity include people experiencing poverty, communities that have been marginalized, people with increased nutrient requirements, and those who have less control over their dietary choices. These groups include young and school-age children, pregnant and lactating women, women of reproductive age, older adults, Black and Latino communities, and persons with disabilities.
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Milk, yogurt, and cheese provide high quality nutrients and are accessible, affordable and culturally relevant for a diverse population.
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A wide variety of dairy foods meet people’s unique needs and remain a valued part of food traditions while ensuring nutritional adequacy. One example is lactose-free and low-lactose dairy options such as yogurt and many cheeses.​​​​
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Milk and dairy products are one of the most cost-effective sources of under consumed nutrients in the United States—including potassium, calcium, and vitamin D.
Learn About California Dairy Food Security Initiatives
California's dairy farmer-funded organizations work to continually improve access to nutritious milk and dairy products. Efforts include pilot programs to deliver product and refrigeration resources to food banks, nutrition education training, and extra feeding-program funds for mothers and families with young children. Here are three examples:
The Dairy Council of California’s Let's Eat Healthy initiative brings together community leaders in education, school foodservice, public health, healthcare, and agriculture to promote lifelong healthy eating habits and sustainable solutions that enhance community health, ensuring that wholesome foods like milk and dairy are accessible to all.
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Devinder Kumar exemplifies leadership within this initiative, earning recognition as a 2024 Let’s Eat Healthy Award Winner for his profound impact on student health and community nutrition, particularly in promoting milk and dairy's role in nutrition security.
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As the Senior Director of Student Health and Wellness at Wonderful College Prep Academy, Devinder has made significant strides in ensuring nutrition security for students and the wider community. He has developed innovative programs and partnerships, including his nonprofit, Free Meals on Wheels, to create lasting change. Devinder’s approach is grounded in evidence-based nutrition education, empowering students, families, and communities to adopt healthy eating habits. He emphasizes the importance of dairy-inclusive nutrition, recognizing dairy's critical role in providing essential nutrients for children’s growth and cognitive development. His efforts to expand access to a variety of nutritious foods, including dairy, have greatly improved nutrition security within the community.
Let's Eat Healthy: Empowering Students and Communities
​In commemoration of World Milk Day, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) partnered with Raley’s Food For Families program to deliver milk, one of the most requested items, to California food banks during June 2024. Throughout the month, California dairy families, through the CMAB, matched customer in-store and online Food For Families donations, dollar-for-dollar to provide fresh milk to those suffering from food insecurity in northern California. Part of the Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD program and Raley’s well-known Food For Families charitable organization, the partnership is part of an ongoing commitment from both to providing resources to food banks and feeding programs to increase access to nutritious foods.
CMAB 2023 Raley’s Food for Families Kickoff Event
California Dairy Families Partner with Raley’s Food For Families to Deliver Nutritious Milk to Families in Need
​Dairy Council of California, in collaboration with Raley’s, Legacy Health Endowment and Community Health Centers of America, celebrated the First 1,000 Days Dairy Initiative at Nob Hill Foods in Newman, CA. on June 10, 2024. The event brought together Central Valley community members, healthcare providers and media partners to highlight the initiative’s positive impact on nutrition access for families with young children.​
One program participant expressed her gratitude: “This program has been a lifesaver for my family. The nutrition education and dairy offers have made a big difference in my children’s health and my ability to feed my family. I’m thankful for the Dairy Council of California and their partners for this program.”
Community Partnerships Celebrated at First 1,000 Days Event
Sources:
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Dairy’s Role in Nutrition Security - Dairy Council of California
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CA dairy processor donation data collected by Dairy Cares
