The post below is sponsored by The United Dairy Industry of Michigan {Milk Means More}. The opinions expressed are my own.
A recent conversation I had with my 4-year-old {pictured above}:
Me: “Did you know some children don’t have enough food to eat?”
Kinley: “You mean they don’t have cheese roll-ups and chocolate milk?”
Me: “No, they definitely do not have those things.”
Kinley: {Thinks for awhile.} “Mom, we should help those kids.”
I agree, kiddo. I agree.
In my pre-kids life, I didn’t have much money, but I had time and could often be found volunteering at local organizations in need. These days, I don’t always have the time to volunteer, but I am happy to give monetary donations when I can. My favorite organizations to give to are local ones helping my neighbors in need.
That’s why I love programs like Pour It Forward. It is an easy way for a busy mom like me to give back to my community, and have a wonderful lesson to teach my children.
The Pour It Forward Campaign is brought to you by Michigan’s dairy farm families, Milk Means More and all of the Kroger stores throughout Michigan. Through December 16, Kroger shoppers can purchase a paper milk gallon for an additional $3 at check-out. In turn, that money will help provide a minimum of one gallon of Pure Michigan® Kroger milk to a local food bank. Last year, the campaign raised more than 32,900 gallons of milk. This is a huge number because milk is something ALL of the food banks always need.
In fact, Feeding America statistics show that food insecure families that utilize food banks have access to only 1 gallon of fresh milk per family member per year. Milk is America’s number one source of calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D, and is a good source of high quality protein. One gallon of milk will provide 16 children with a single glass of milk.
I love that this program has a direct impact on families in our community. Here are the Michigan food banks the campaign helps:
- Food Bank of Eastern Michigan {based in Flint}
- Food Bank of South Central Michigan {based in Battle Creek}
- Food Gatherers {based in Ann Arbor}
- Forgotten Harvest {based in Oak Park}
- Gleaners Community Food Bank {locations throughout SE Michigan}
- Greater Lansing Food Bank {based in Lansing}
We recently visited Kroger and donated $3 at check-out. I showed Kinley our donation slip and explained how it would help a family near us {our store supports Gleaners}. On our way home, she said how happy she was to help and hoped it would give someone chocolate milk since that’s her favorite. Gotta love a kid’s heart! Thanks for helping me to teach her a valuable lesson, Milk Means More and Kroger 😀
The campaign’s goal this year is 50,000 gallons. Be on the lookout for signage in your local Kroger and ask for a paper gallon at check-out. Won’t you join me in this simple way to give back?
What are your favorite easy ways to give back during the holiday season?
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