Alberta – Alberta dairy farmers will be donating $100,000 to Food Banks Alberta aimed at assisting those facing food insecurity while also elevating discussion about this important issue.
Over the past six weeks, Alberta’s dairy farmers invited the public to participate in a campaign to support Food Banks Alberta and its 113-member food banks – and are extending a note of thanks to those who participated and contributed with donations.
Chrisie Lava – Director of Food Banks Alberta Board and Eric Motouzas – Chair of Food Banks Alberta Board, receiving cheque from Alberta Milk
Alberta dairy farmers know there are families who don’t have access to key food items like milk or dairy products. This campaign has been our way of supporting the efforts of Food Banks Alberta and individual food banks across the province in trying to meet significant demand,” says Stuart Boeve, Chair of Alberta Milk, and a dairy farmer of more than 25 years from Taber. “We thank Albertans who participated and donated to such an important cause.”
Alberta Milk has a history of charitable giving and supporting communities in Alberta. 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.
“Food Banks Alberta is grateful to Alberta dairy farmers, who have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to building stronger, healthier communities,” says Jason Lyver, Fund Development Manager for Food Banks Alberta. “The $100,000 gift from Alberta Milk allows our Association to purchase dairy products to support thousands of Albertans across our province. With over 155,000 children accessing food banks in our communities each month, access to dairy products ensures that children across Alberta have access to the essential vitamins and nutrients offered through milk and dairy products to thrive.”
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 about 15,000 jobs, and the industry contributes $1.5 billion to the provincial economy (GDP).
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Media Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
604-240-6231