DALLAS — Several regional dairy councils, through a fundraising collaboration with nonprofit Tackle Hunger, plan to help communities provide dairy products to families in need.

Food charities often identify milk as one of the most requested – and least donated – items. Tackle Hunger’s digital platform utilizes an interactive map to help users support local food charities of their choice, with monetary donations going directly to a selected food bank or pantry.

Partnering with dairy councils that serve 21 states, the joint effort will donate milk, cheese and yogurt to people facing food insecurity in those regions.

Dairy Management West, Dairy West, Dairy MAX, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, Florida Dairy Farmers, American Dairy Association Mideast and American Dairy Association North East all teamed up with Tackle Hunger for the project.

The partnering dairy councils said their organizations and associated dairy farm families want to build up their communities through these types of efforts.

"We believe that everyone deserves access to nutritious foods, and dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt play a vital role in a healthy diet,” said Dairy MAX chief strategy officer Jennie McDowell. “Through our partnership with Tackle Hunger, we're committed to supporting local food charities in their efforts to provide these essential nutrients to families in need. By working together, we can help bridge the gap in food insecurity and ensure that our communities thrive."

Tackle Hunger executive director Alison Reese said health disparities tied to food insecurity make it difficult for many communities in the US to flourish.

“We believe collaborations like this coupled with local communities rallying around their food charities can change the game for those in need," Reese said. "Food charities want to feed everyone in need healthy foods, but we all know they cost more. We hope programs like this will encourage people to think about the importance of supporting their neighborhood food charity. And if you don't know where it is, visit the Tackle Hunger map to find it."

People may donate money for dairy products via Tackle Hunger’s online map platform at the organization’s website.

https://map.tacklehunger.org/