It’s time to say “cheese” – and not just for the camera.

Maybe you’re a fan of the stretchy pull of mozzarella on top of a hot pizza or you may prefer the melty queso on your nachos.  However you like it, it’s the flavorful, savory, delicious cheese made from calcium and protein filled milk that makes it one of the VIPs of dairy.  The United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM) wants to celebrate cheese with its August hashtag competition, which could land lucky contestants a year’s supply of Domino’s Pizza.

Entering is easy: Say “cheese” for a selfie that shows yourself, friends, or family enjoying a cheesy moment and post the pic to Instagram or Twitter, using the hashtag #milkmeansmorecontest. Complete rules and details are here: https://eventful.com/mix/MilkMeansMoreSweeps

August also marks the UDIM’s “Great American Milk Drive” campaign to help hungry families by helping them get closer to the USDA’s recommended consumption of 68 gallons a year. The Kroger Co. and UDIM invite Kroger shoppers to buy $1, $3, and $5 icons at registers in any of 125 Michigan Kroger stores through Aug. 30, 2017. Funds will benefit local food banks and food rescue organizations, which will purchase Kroger’s 100 percent Michigan milk, and Kroger and UDIM will each match contributions up to $20,000.

The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Food Bank of South Central Michigan, Food Gatherers, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan and Greater Lansing Food Bank will receive money collected during the campaign.

“Milk is essential to a healthy diet and provides high-quality protein, calcium and vitamin D,” says Rachel Hurst, public affairs manager for Kroger Michigan. “Kroger welcomes this opportunity to partner with UDIM and area food banks and food rescue organizations to increase the supply of milk to hungry neighbors during the fifty-year anniversary of Kroger’s Michigan Dairy.”

“One in six Michigan families struggle to buy food,” adds Sharon Toth, CEO of United Dairy Industry of Michigan. “Programs like the Great American Milk Drive raise awareness of the need for milk on an on-going basis through the food bank and food rescue system.”

Kroger’s Michigan Dairy, located in Livonia, produces milk, buttermilk, juices, drinks, cottage cheese, sour cream, dips, apple cider and eggnog for Kroger’s Michigan Division and 26 stores within Kroger’s Columbus Division. The facility bottles an average of 100,000 gallons of milk per day.

Kroger will hold a special anniversary celebration at the Michigan Dairy on Saturday, August 12. For more information, visit www.kroger.com.

Lead image by Shutterstock

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