Safeway shoppers can donate to Great American Milk Drive

Through Tuesday, June 30, Safeway and Safeway Foundation are partnering with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, to present the Great American Milk Drive and fight childhood hunger.

With millions of Americans out of work and free school meals harder to access, the need for hunger relief assistance is substantial. To help alleviate hunger, Safeway stores in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia are collecting customer donations of $1, $3, $5 or another amount at checkout stands.

“The gift of nutrient-rich milk can help fight childhood hunger and help kids in need realize their potential with full, well-nourished bodies. We hope you’ll consider donating to help local families in need,” said Matthew Boyd, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Safeway’s Eastern Division. 

Milk is one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks, and it can be difficult to meet the demand. The 46 million Americans that traditionally rely on Feeding America typically receive less than one gallon of milk per person per year. America’s milk brands and dairy farmers are committed to fighting hunger and providing nutrition through this partnership with Feeding America.

“Milk is the top food source for calcium, potassium and vitamin D, three of the four nutrients which are most likely to be missing in the American diet,” said Liz Jalkiewicz, RDN, LDN, nutrition specialist for American Dairy Association North East. “And the reality is, it’s tough for kids to get these important nutrients when they don’t have access to milk.”

Donations made in-store at Safeway locations or online at www.GiveAGallon.com will deliver gallons of milk to local families in need. By entering a ZIP code when donating online, donors can ensure that milk is delivered to a local Feeding America member food bank.