MANNA FoodBank is thrilled to announce a 6,000 gallon donation of fresh milk thanks to Ingles Markets, Ingles Markets shoppers, and Milkco, Inc.
The Great American Milk Drive is a national campaign to increase the amount of fresh milk available to food banks across the country.
Thanks to Ingles Markets involvement in this national campaign, Ingles and Ingles shoppers helped to donate 6,000 gallons of milk that will go directly to the thousands of families in need in MANNA FoodBank’s 16-county Western North Carolina service area.
“We partner with MANNA year-round to help provide food for families facing hunger,” said Ron Freeman, CFO of Ingles Markets, in a statement. “Creating an opportunity to make actual gallons of fresh milk available to local families in need was an event our local Ingles shoppers and the Ingles store locations in WNC were thrilled to be a part of.”
Largest Single Milk Donation in MANNA’s History
This year, Ingles is donating 6,000 gallons of fresh, in-date gallon milk to MANNA. These donations will come in batches that the food bank can ensure will remain fresh, from donation to distribution. This is the largest milk donation in MANNA FoodBank’s history. In addition to Ingles Market’s continued and ongoing support of MANNA’s mission, Milkco itself has donated over 1,000,000 pounds of dairy products to MANNA over the last 15 years.
“Milk is one of the most requested items at MANNA,” Executive Director Cindy Threlkeld said. “It’s an important nutrient-rich item that is in continuous need, especially for children in struggling families.” Threlkeld notes that 1 in 4 children face food insecurity in Western North Carolina.
“So much of our work at MANNA is focused on sourcing healthy foods,” said Threlkeld, “and this vital partnership with Ingles and Milkco is an important part of that work, and the work of ending hunger in our community.”
“Milk is an important nutrient packed beverage that families need, including 8 grams of high-quality protein per serving,” said Keith Collins, President, Milkco, Inc. “We are honored to have partnered with Ingles and our local dairy farmers to help provide locally bottled gallons of quality Laura Lynn milk to families in need throughout WNC.”
Please visit www.mannafoodbank.org for additional information and to donate now.