Giving. We do a lot of that throughout the year and, particularly, during the holiday season.

While many, many organizations are deserving of support, there is still great need in a city that is close to our home and hearts – Flint.

This #GivingTuesday TheHUB is asking you to give the gift of milk to Flint children in need.

There is still great need in a city that is close to our home and hearts – Flint.

While every child needs plenty of calcium-rich foods like milk, the need is greater, if not critical, for Flint children who have been exposed to lead because their bodies absorb lead more quickly than adults.

Calcium is an essential nutrient for children who have experienced lead toxicity, says Bethany Thayer, president of the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It acts like a shield of sorts to help limit the absorption of lead in their bodies. Milk and milk-based products are a great source of calcium.

The problem is milk is in low supply at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, which serves Flint. The organization, which strains to meet current needs of the at-risk community, will struggle even more over this holiday season.

Local food bank staff purchases milk from dairies and coordinates distribution to designated Flint neighborhoods with families in need. Michigan farmers and dairy producers have pledged to provide matching funds for every dollar donated up to $50,000 to supply more dairy to the community.

Still, the need grows during the holidays as students who normally rely upon school milk programs to meet daily calcium needs will not have access to milk distribution programs.

While many organizations and charities throughout the world are deserving of support this holiday season, TheHUB asks you to consider the gift of milk this #GivingTuesday. Please click here to donate.

Your help this #GivingTuesday, and throughout the season, can do more than you might imagine for a Flint child and that child’s family. Let’s give generously to the good people of Flint.

  Bethany Thayer, Flint, Flint water crisis, Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Giving Tuesday, Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Milk