TRACY, CALIF. – California families in need soon will be able to receive dairy products such as cheese and fluid milk through a new partnership between the California Milk Advisory Board, Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks.

The new pilot program will begin by brining more than three million servings of cheese shreds to 11 food bank sites in total, serving Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Cruz and other communities.

Per the CMAB, one out of five Californians is dealing with food insecurity. Between the 11 food banks involved with the project, 3,095 community distribution organizations will help disperse dairy products to people. 

"California dairy farmers have a long history of supporting the communities where they live and work,” California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said during the announcement of the new partnership. “I'm pleased to join Real California Milk, Feeding America and the California Association of Food Banks during Dairy Month to launch this partnership that provides products like cheese, a rich source of protein and other essential nutrients, to programs that serve families throughout the state."

The distribution marks the official beginning of CMAB’s partnership with Feeding America, with plans to deliver more than $1 million in resources to food banks and programs in the state. The organization shared that the second phase of its 2022 program will involve fluid milk, as well as grants that will benefit people experiencing food insecurity.

John Talbot, chief executive officer of the CMAB, described feeding people as being core to farmers’ personal values.

"California dairy farmers are passionate about nourishing communities everywhere with the wholesome goodness of milk,” Talbot said. “We're grateful to Feeding America for support to expand the reach of these essential resources."