Illinois dairy farmers rallied together to make a significant contribution towards alleviating food insecurity in local communities. In conjunction with the start of June Dairy Month, the Illinois Milk Producers Association (IMPA) spearheaded a remarkable donation of nearly 10,000 pounds of milk to two Illinois food banks.
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by many families due to rising grocery prices, the IMPA, in collaboration with Prairie Farms, the Illinois Corn Growers Association, and the Illinois Soybean Association, distributed 2,088 half-gallon containers of milk, along with 396 half-gallon containers of lactose-free milk, to the Central and Eastern Illinois Foodbanks.
The donation not only aimed to address immediate food needs but also coincided with the celebration of June Dairy Month, providing an opportunity to promote dairy consumption and share the dairy industry's ongoing efforts and challenges. Prairie Farms facilitated the delivery of these essential dairy products to the Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield and the Eastern Illinois Food Bank in Urbana on June 6.
The collaboration between the IMPA, other agricultural organizations, and food banks underscores the pivotal role played by the dairy industry in Illinois' economy. By offering lactose-free milk options, families facing dietary restrictions due to financial constraints can now enjoy nutritious alternatives.
This initiative highlights the commitment of Illinois dairy farmers to support and strengthen their communities, particularly during these challenging times.
For additional information about the IMPA's community-strengthening efforts, please contact Sierra Henry at 309-557-2083 or shenry@ilfb.org.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-DimaSobko
Categories: Illinois, General, Livestock, Dairy Cattle