IARN — Midwest Dairy this week announced a $500,000 donation to food banks in the Midwest to purchase dairy products for those in need. The contributions will be spread across the ten states Midwest Dairy represents to help meet the increased demand for dairy products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Food banks across the region have been seeing an unprecedented need in recent weeks, setting records of daily and weekly food distribution and showcasing the urgency of finding resourceful ways to provide more food to those experiencing food insecurity. With unemployment numbers still climbing and schools – where many children receive most of their daily meals – continuing to be closed, the demand is expected to continue growing.
Though dairy checkoff funds cannot typically be used to purchase dairy products, the USDA has granted a one-time exception at the request of Midwest Dairy. The program also offers processors an opportunity to keep their supply chains active while navigating changes in demand.
Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
