Dairy Organizations Pleased With USDA's Dairy Donation Program

Monday, April 19th, 2021 -- 9:01 AM

(Wisconsin Ag Connection) The National Milk Producers Federation and International Dairy Foods Association are pleased with USDA's announcement that it will soon implement a $400 million Dairy Donation Program.

According to the Wisconsin Ag Connection, the DDP was established by Congress last December as a way to help producers and organizations in the food supply chain recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"NMPF worked closely with Congress to enact the Dairy Donation Program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This important program will help dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own to continue to do what they do best - feed people," said NMPF CEO Jim Mulhern.

"Dairy stakeholders are eager to expand their partnership efforts with food banks and other distributors to provide a variety of nutritious dairy products to food insecure households who have faced uniquely difficult challenges throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, as hunger has risen significantly during the last year."

Specifically, the program will facilitate the donation of fresh, nutritious dairy products to nonprofit organizations helping Americans currently struggling with hunger and nutrition issues.

IDFA President Michael Dykes, D.V.M. says the U.S. dairy industry stepped up throughout the pandemic to partner with and aid non-profits, charities, and other organizations working to combat the nation's hunger issues that were exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.

"This new program will help ensure persons in need continue to receive assistance and the unique combination of essential nutrients that only dairy products can provide," Dykes said.

"IDFA appreciates the department's work to ensure dairy donations continue during this crucial time of need in our country."

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