OTTAWA – In honour of World Milk Day, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), in partnership with the Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC), were pleased to help those in need by donating healthy and nutritious dairy products to the Ottawa Mission. For this special occasion, local dairy farmers, along with DFC and DPAC representatives, were joined by Jean-Claude Poissant, Canada's Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture.
"Dairy farmers are always looking for ways to give back to their communities, and we wanted to take the opportunity on World Milk Day to provide those in need with nutritious dairy products," said Pierre Lampron, President of Dairy Farmers of Canada. "Canadian dairy products contain up to 16 essential nutrients and are widely recognized as a part of a healthy, balanced diet. We are proud to be able to make today's donation in support of the Ottawa Mission, and help some of the vulnerable members of our society."
World Milk Day was established in 2001 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food. Every year on June 1st, events take place around the globe to highlight the important contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods and nutrition. The dairy sector supports the livelihoods of up to one billion people worldwide.
"We are pleased to join the international dairy community in celebrating World Milk Day," said Mathieu Frigon, Interim President & CEO of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada. "It's a great opportunity to share the delicious dairy products we know, love and that fuel us with nutrients and energy every day."
Today's donation provided approximately 400 people with cheese, yogurt, and milk generously provided by DPAC members General Mills Canada and Saputo Dairy Products Canada GP. DFC and DPAC representatives handed out the products to those who were visiting the Mission for a community lunch. They also took the opportunity to tour the facility to learn more about how their donation would help those in need and the importance of nutrition for those who utilize the Mission's services.
"As the Ottawa Mission serves an average of 1,308 meals a day, we greatly appreciate the generosity of DFC and DPAC in their donation today," said Peter Tilley, Executive Director at the Ottawa Mission. "Donations such as these are vitally important to the sustainability of the Mission, and to the health and wellbeing of those who need our services. On behalf of the Ottawa Mission, I want to thank dairy farmers, and dairy processors, for this contribution."
In addition to today's donation, DFC and DPAC are also celebrating World Milk Day online through Twitter and Facebook. Follow along with #WorldMilkDay and join the celebration!
About Dairy Farmers of Canada
Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization defending the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and striving to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working within supply management, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable, and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy, and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national initiatives. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.
About Dairy Processors of Canada
The Dairy Processors Association of Canada (DPAC) is Canada's national industry association representing the public policy and regulatory interests of the Canadian dairy processing industry. DPAC's members represent some of the most recognized brands in Canada, providing work to over 23,000 Canadians and contributing $17.3 billion to the national economy.
Source: Dairy Farmers of Canada