ADD MILK! Campaign Success Hits Milestones
The Dairy Council of California (DCC), alongside partners like Mother's Nutritional Center (MNC) and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), has seen an impressive reach through the ADD MILK! campaign. A recent community event showcased significant accomplishments in promoting healthier milk options for families, especially those with low incomes.
A Vibrant Community Celebration
The celebration took place at MNC's Florence Avenue location, attracting community leaders, families, and program participants. National Dairy Month was the perfect backdrop for this event, emphasizing the success of the ADD MILK! initiative aimed at easing food insecurity by making healthy choices accessible. Over 200 attendees enjoyed milk-focused foods, participated in nutrition-focused activities, won prizes, and listened to impactful guest speakers.
Community Recognition
Blanca Jimenez, the District Director for Congresswoman Maxine Waters, praised the ADD MILK! program's success, affirming the Congresswoman's dedication to ensuring nutrition equity. The Flores family’s contributions to the community were also highlighted during this event.
A Legacy of Service
During the celebration, Richard Flores, President of Mother's Nutritional Center, presented a commemorative award to Jimenez in recognition of her decades of service and community impact. This award not only honored Waters but also represented a shared dedication to enhancing community health through initiatives like ADD MILK!
Measurable Impact of the Initiative
The ADD MILK! campaign's launch has provided immense benefits for SNAP recipients, focusing on encouraging purchases of low-fat milk options such as skim milk and 1% milk. Highlights of the campaign's achievements include:
- 341,529 unique SNAP households served
- $3.8 million facilitated in the purchase of skim and 1% milk
- $978,000 in incentives and $543,000 in automatic discounts given
- An astounding 88% coupon redemption rate
- Nearly $436,000 in additional SNAP purchases supported
- Growth in low-fat milk purchases from 12% to 16% at participating stores
Expanding the Reach
The ADD MILK! program operates in all 82 MNC stores across Southern California and is set to expand to over 1,100 retail locations across the country by 2025. This growth reflects a commitment to nutrition security and improving access to essential dietary elements.
Commitment to Health and Well-Being
During the celebratory event, Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California, expressed joy over the positive impacts of community programs like ADD MILK!, which assist families in accessing nutrient-dense foods. Milk is rich in essential nutrients, making it a fundamental dietary choice for families aiming for better health outcomes.
Importance of Nutrition Security
Funding for the ADD MILK! initiative comes from a $4 million cooperative agreement between the USDA and the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University. This program advocates for healthier dietary choices, addressing a significant gap as 90% of the U.S. population falls short on dairy intake.
Community Support and Collaboration
Richard Flores shared heartfelt responses from program participants, emphasizing the ADD MILK! program's role in stretching their SNAP benefits and encouraging healthier family choices. Quotes from Donald Grady, Senior Director of Legislative Affairs at IDFA, underscored the importance of programs like ADD MILK! during challenging times of food insecurity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ADD MILK! campaign?
The ADD MILK! campaign is an initiative aimed at increasing access to low-fat milk options for families in need, particularly targeting SNAP recipients.
How many families have benefited from this program?
Over 341,500 unique SNAP households have been served through the ADD MILK! campaign.
What milestones has the campaign achieved?
The campaign has facilitated $3.8 million in milk purchases and offered significant incentives for participating families.
What is the future of the ADD MILK! program?
The program aims to expand to over 1,100 retail stores nationwide by the end of 2025.
How can families participate in the ADD MILK! program?
Families can participate by visiting participating stores and utilizing SNAP benefits to purchase low-fat milk options.
