C&S Wholesale Grocers has donated nearly 700,000 cartons of shelf-stable milk to Feeding America food banks to support child nutrition programs. The milk is being distributed through School Pantry and BackPack programs operated by local food banks.
Gina Goff, senior director of community involvement for C&S, says the company worked with local food banks in their markets to identify the most needed items. High-value, kid-friendly foods—like shelf-stable milk—were items repeatedly requested for use in the food banks’ child nutrition programs. Through School Pantry and BackPack programs, food banks are able to distribute items so that children in need can have access to nutritious food in the evenings and on weekends.
The 8-oz. cartons of milk, 1 percent and chocolate, are fortified with Vitamins A and D and do not contain artificial growth hormones. The milk is shelf-stable because refrigeration is not typically available for BackPack and School Pantry program models
Twenty-four food banks around the country each received 25,000 cartons of milk to be distributed to schools in C&S communities that operate a School Pantry or BackPack program.
“Feeding America is committed to providing more nutritious food items to low-income families,” said Nancy Curby, Feeding America SVP of corporate partnerships and operations. “When children can’t focus or learn in school because they are hungry, they are less likely to achieve academic success. We are so grateful to C&S Wholesale Grocers for their continued support and this donation of shelf-stable milk for our child nutrition programs.”
Added Debra Vizzi, president and CEO of the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, “Food is a prescription for health. We and C&S are committed to providing healthy, nutritious food to the families we serve. The food bank is deeply appreciative of C&S’s donation of 25,000 cartons of milk. This milk will reach New Jersey children in need; giving them the necessary nutrients to grow and learn. Together, we are partnering to provide healthy food choices.”
Additionally, C&S’s support for Feeding America included nutritional educational materials for food banks to share with schools for children and families.
