Alberta – Alberta Milk has launched a campaign in which they are encouraging the people of this province to help them reach a $100,000 donation target – to support Albertans facing food insecurity through a partnership with Food Banks Alberta.
Up until July 11, 2023, Alberta Milk will donate $1, to a maximum of $50,000, to Food Banks Alberta for every “like and share” of select influencer posts. The influencer post can be viewed here.
From July 12, 2023, to August 1, 2023, Alberta Milk will match donations to Food Banks Alberta up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50,000. In total, the goal is to reach $100,000 in support of Food Banks Alberta, which supports 113-member food banks throughout the province.
“Having secure access to healthy, nutritious food is something that many of us may take for granted, but for others it is a serious challenge,” says Karen Pierik, who operates a dairy farm alongside her husband and four children, near Ponoka. “I am proud that Alberta dairy farmers are doing something tangible to address this issue and urge Albertans to support the effort.”
Alberta Milk has a history of charitable giving and supporting communities – and since 2004, more than $220,000 has been raised to support community campaigns and over 60,000 litres of milk has been donated to Food Banks Alberta.
“Alberta dairy farmers recognize there are many families and individuals who face the very real issue of food insecurity. This campaign is our way of supporting the efforts of Food Banks Alberta while also elevating the discussion about an important matter,” says Stuart Boeve, a dairy farmer who has been farming with his family in Taber for over 25 years. “Alberta residents are the first to step up to a challenge, and we have no doubt they will respond to this one, knowing that one small action can have a very real impact.
“The challenges facing food insecure families is very real. Milk and other dairy products are important as they provide many nutrients essential for good health. For over a decade now most of our members have been focused, not just on providing food, but providing healthy food to increase the nutrition their clients receive,” says Jason Lyver, Fund Development Manager for Food Banks Alberta. “We are grateful for the partnership that Alberta’s dairy farmers have provided over the years to Food Banks Alberta and our 113 members across the province. Awareness campaigns like the So Much More Than Milk campaign allow us to support our members in meeting the growing need.”
Dairy products are one of the top requested items at food banks. Between 2019 to 2022, there was a 73% increase in food bank use in Alberta. In March of 2022, more than 156,000 Albertans accessed food banks, a 34% increase from 2021. Approximately 45% of Alberta food bank users are families with children.
About Alberta Milk:
Alberta Milk is a not-for-profit association that represents Alberta’s dairy and undertakes a variety of activities that support the dairy industry, including marketing, nutrition, and education, transportation and policy development and implementation. There are nearly 500 dairy farms in Alberta, supporting about15,000 jobs, and the industry contributes $1.5 billion to the provincial economy (GDP).
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Media Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231