What is Dairy Nourishes America?
Dairy Nourishes America is an initiative developed through a partnership between Feeding America and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to increase access to nutritious dairy foods for people facing food insecurity.
Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States representing a nationwide network of food banks, food pantries, and community-based organizations in the United States. It works to end hunger by providing food and support to millions of people.
Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy® was established in 2008 by farmers through the dairy checkoff to foster collaboration that progresses the industry’s goal of building a healthy and sustainable future for the dairy community, the people it serves, and the planet we all share.
What is the Dairy Nourishes America Toolkit?
This Dairy Nourishes America toolkit is an interactive digital toolkit which delivers relevant resources to increase access to dairy in food banks. The toolkit will be updated on an ongoing basis to provide new information.
Why is dairy critical for Feeding America?
Dairy foods are accessible, affordable, taste great, come in a number of varieties and provide a unique nutrient profile that can help make eating better easier and more enjoyable.
Dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese are fundamental to good nutrition. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods to get essential nutrients is important to optimizing overall wellness as well as to maintaining healthy gut and immune function.
A balanced diet with a variety of foods is important to get essential nutrients and milk is an affordable source of 13 essential nutrients. Dollar for dollar, three servings of milk only costs about 60 cents, making it one of the most economical sources of nutrition.
Milk is one of the most requested foods by food bank clients, but one of the least available.
Dairy Foods Help People Thrive Across the Lifespan
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognizes that dairy foods play an important role in healthy eating patterns from infancy through adulthood.
How do I use this Toolkit?
Click below to learn about how to use the Toolkit!