NORTHERN INDIANA — Martin’s Super Markets and Prairie Farms Dairy are donating nearly 8,000 gallons of milk to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana through the recent “Great American Milk Drive.”

Martin’s Super Markets conducted this milk drive from May 1 through 15.  Store customers were able to donate Martin’s milk to the Food Bank at the time of check-out to help children in their own community. Prairie Farms Dairy kicked off the effort with a donation of 500 gallons of Prairie Farms milk.

The Great American Milk Drive is the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to children in need.  One in four children in northern Indiana lives in a food insecure household.

The Great American Milk Drive is made possible by the nation’s dairy farmers and milk companies.

Milk is a luxury item and on average, food banks are only able to provide the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per year.  While donors are generous with providing canned and dry goods, many don’t think to donate milk because it’s perishable.

A portion of the actual gallons will be delivered to the Food Bank as well as vouchers good for a free gallon of milk at any store location.

In addition, vouchers will also be distributed to Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank in Benton Harbor and Food Finders Food Bank in Lafayette.