For immediate release
July 12, 2023
British Columbia – BC Dairy has launched phase-two of a campaign in which they are encouraging the people of this province to help them reach a $100,000 donation target – to support British Columbians facing food insecurity through a partnership with Food Banks BC.
Between July 12, 2023, to August 1, 2023, BC’s dairy farmers will match donations made to foodbanksbc.com/bcdairyfarmers up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50,000 which will support 106 member food banks throughout the province.
This follows the very successful initial phase during which BC’s dairy farmers donated $1 for every “like and share” of select influencer posts, up to a maximum of $50,000 – over a four-week period.
“This fundraising campaign is our way of supporting the efforts of Food Banks BC, an organization that impacts many individuals and families facing food insecurity,” says Holger Schwichtenberg second-generation dairy farmer in Agassiz. “During the first phase of the campaign, many BC residents stepped up to the challenge. Now, as we enter phase-two, we have no doubt that others will follow suit, especially because any donation will be matched by BC’s dairy farmers and have double the impact.”
BC Dairy has a history of charitable giving and supporting communities. Since 2020 and the start of the pandemic, they have partnered with Food Banks BC to donate approximately 50,000 kg of dairy products and over $200,000 in cash donations.
“BC’s dairy farmers are encouraging British Columbians to show their support for Food Banks BC and those facing the issue of food insecurity,” says Lindsay Heer of Robin Creek Dairy in Smithers. “Any donation to Food Banks BC will be matched by BC’s dairy farmers, meaning any giving will have twice the impact – so we are encouraging people to make a contribution, big or small, in support of this very worthwhile cause.”
“Milk and dairy products provide key nutrients to promote optimal growth in children and promote bone health in all ages. It’s a top item our members consistently ask for. We are grateful for the support that dairy farmers in BC have provided over the years to our organization, and in turn those that we serve at 106-member food banks across the province,” says Dan Huang-Taylor, Executive Director of Food Banks BC. “The challenges of families and individuals facing food insecurity is very real and it’s because of campaigns like this, that we are in a better position to meet the demand.”
Dairy products are one of the top requested items at food banks. Each month B.C. food banks provide over 248,000 meals through shelters, soup kitchens and school lunches. Food bank visits have increased by 31%, from 124,000 to 163,000 visits/year since 2019. 30% of all food bank users in BC are children while the number of seniors (65+ years) accessing food banks has increased by 20% in the past 2-years.
About BC Dairy:
BC Dairy is a not-for-profit association that represents BC’s dairy farmers, works to grow the market for dairy products and to support profitable, environmentally, and socially responsible dairy farm businesses. The Association also bring dairy farmers together while building lasting relationships within our communities. There are 462 dairy farms in BC, supporting 12,500 jobs, and the industry contributes $1.225 billion contribution to the provincial economy (GDP).
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Media Contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231