In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Midwest Dairy quickly pivoted its work to support our communities by providing Undeniably Dairy grant funding for commercial-grade refrigeration units to local food banks in need.
With school and business closures, many local food banks need additional refrigeration to meet the high demand for dairy products for families in need. This was also an opportunity for dairy farmers to engage in their local community during this time when on-farm events and community gatherings have been cancelled due to social distancing recommendations.
To date, Midwest Dairy has approved 50 grant applications which will serve an estimated 55,877 people.
Here are a few testimonials from food pantry refrigeration grant recipients:
“This unit will help keep the families our food pantry serves nourished with dairy and other perishable items during this unprecedented time.”
Linda Mathre, President of HLC Food Pantry – Newark, Illinois
“We are so grateful to be given this amazing refrigerator and know it will make life a lot better for those in need who utilize our services.”
Scott Van Daele, CHUM Director of Distributive Services – Duluth, Minnesota
“Thank you so very much! The unit has arrived and is being installed. Now I will be able to supply more milk and cheese to our families and seniors.”
Janet Swafford, Director of Plainville Food Pantry – Plainville, Kansas
“On behalf of The Mustard Seed Food Pantry in Prairie Home, Missouri, thank you so much for the brand-new cooler. The addition of the cooler will allow us to offer more nutritious food to families in rural mid-Missouri!”
Nancy Lacy Kixmiller, Mustard Seed Food Pantry – Prairie Home, Missouri
*Photos featured in this article were taken prior to March 2020 before mandatory mask/social distancing mandates were implemented.