#United States #California #food insecurity #California Milk #Raley's Food

California Dairy Families Join Forces with Raley's Food For Families

In California, a staggering 3 million households are grappling with the pressing issue of food insecurity. California's Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has launched a significant initiative in collaboration with Raley's Food For Families to address this critical challenge. This partnership, which commemorates June as National Dairy Month, marks the third consecutive year that they have come together to deliver vital milk and dairy products to communities in need.

Throughout June, California dairy families, represented by CMAB, aim to amplify support by matching customer donations—both in-store and online—to the Food For Families program, dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $35,000. This initiative is designed to facilitate the distribution of California dairy products to food banks and feeding programs, ensuring that nutritious options are available for families in need. Notably, promotional materials inscribed with the slogan “Do Good with Dairy” will be featured in stores and digital communications to raise awareness about this campaign.

This collaboration is a vital part of the CADAIRY4GOOD initiative, reinforcing a long-standing commitment from both organizations to supply food banks with resources that enhance access to nutritious foods. The program seeks not only to alleviate immediate hunger but also to nourish families and promote health.

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross expressed, “The California Department of Food and Agriculture proudly supports this effort. We applaud the Milk Advisory Board and Raley's for their dedication in providing nutrition to families in need.”

Nicole Morris, a California dairy farmer from Modesto, shared her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “As a dairy farmer, I’m deeply committed to ensuring that families can access milk and dairy foods—the most nutritious and affordable sources of sustenance. This initiative plays a crucial role in supporting communities and highlights the importance of dairy in helping families grow and thrive.”

The milk donations will be distributed to a total of 12 different food banks that are partners in the Food For Families program, including the Alameda County Community Food Bank, Food Bank for Monterey County, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater Valley, among others. Jessica Vaughan, the CEO of Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, noted, “Milk is like liquid gold for our neighbors striving to maintain healthy food options at their tables. We are incredibly grateful to the California Milk Advisory Board for once again partnering with Raley's Food For Families.”

Through contributions from customers, vendors, and Raley’s team members, Raley's Food For Families has delivered millions of meals to local families facing food insecurity. Raley's organization absorbs all administrative expenses to maximize the impact of every donation made.

Zoe Edwards, an Operations Specialist at Raley's Food For Families, reiterated the commitment, “We continuously accept donations to Food For Families to combat hunger in our community. Dairy is a nutrient-rich, frequently requested food group, providing an essential source of protein that our food banks strive to make available to the families we serve.”

The CADAIRY4GOOD initiative emphasizes improving access to healthy dairy products for individuals and families across California. It includes partnerships that pilot innovative programs and deliver necessary refrigeration resources to the state's food banks and feeding programs.

California holds the title of the nation’s top dairy state, home to over 1,000 family dairy farms dedicated to sustainable dairy farming practices while ensuring high-quality milk production.

About the Organizations

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) functions as an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, primarily funded by dairy farm families in the state. Their vision encompasses nourishing the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk while promoting sustainable dairy practices.

Raley's Food For Families is a registered 501(c)3 organization that provides food to Feeding America's network of partner agencies. Established in 1986 by Co-Chairman Joyce Raley Teel and former CEO Charles Collings, it has successfully raised over $59 million and distributed 44 million pounds of nutritious food, emphasizing a commitment to supporting those experiencing food insecurity. Raley's ensures that all administrative costs for the organization are covered, meaning every donation directly benefits food bank partners.