For immediate release
June 15, 2023
British Columbia – BC’s dairy farmers have launched 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.
From June 14 until July 11, BC dairy farmers will donate $1 for every “like and share” of select influencer posts, up to a maximum of $50,000. The initial influencer post can be viewed by clicking here.
From July 12, 2023, to August 1, 2023, BC’s dairy farmers will match donations made to Food Banks BC up to a maximum aggregate amount of $50,000 in support of Food Banks BC, which supports 106-member food banks throughout the province.
“BC dairy farmers recognize there are many families and individuals who face the very real issue of food insecurity. This is our way of supporting the efforts of Food Banks BC while also elevating the discussion about an important issue,” says Holger Schwichtenberg second-generation dairy farmer in Agassiz. “BC residents are the first to step up to a challenge, and we have no doubt they will respond to this one, knowing that one small action can have a very positive impact.”
BC dairy farmers have 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 have a history of supporting Food Banks BC and its 106-member food banks located throughout the province,” says Lindsay Heer of Robin Creek Dairy in Smithers. “Through this campaign we are asking British Columbians to join us in making a difference and supporting Food Banks BC, in their effort to provide food for those within our community facing food insecurity.”
“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.”
Each month BC food banks provide over 125,000 meals through shelters, soup kitchens and school lunch programs. Dairy products are one of the top requested items at food banks. Food bank visits have increased by 5%, from 124,000 to 131,000 visits/year since 2019. Approximately 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 brings 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