Prairie Farms partners on berry smoothie project for schools

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. — September is #HungerActionMonth, a time dedicated to spreading awareness and taking action to end hunger in America.

In the fight against food insecurity, Prairie Farms announced a unique collaboration between several organizations — including Bigger Table, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network, and Feeding America — that will provide 450,000 servings of nutritious, protein-packed, berry smoothie packets for distribution by regional foodbanks in northern Illinois, Chicago and St. Louis.

The smoothie packets were unveiled during a #HungerActionMonth Symposium at the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

In St. Louis, distribution of 133,000 packets will be part of a back-to-school effort to provide nutrition for students in underserved communities. Approximately 34 schools around the area will receive distributions.

Each smoothie packet is made from a mix of dry milk powder and other ingredients, including whey protein concentrate, that results in 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of soluble fiber from a single packet.

The only other requirement is the addition of water or milk to make a delicious smoothie that can also be combined with bananas or other fruit for an even tastier and nutritious start to the day.

“Our dairy farmers are proud to share the goodness of milk to help in the fight against hunger,” said Derek England, northeast Missouri dairy farmer and Prairie Farms board member.

“No child should ever have to go to school hungry, so I’m happy we can provide a key ingredient for this collaboration.”

Prairie Farms made a large donation of non-fat dry milk powder, which is a key ingredient used to make the packets.

Bigger Table manufactures and delivers the product. “We know that a good day starts with a great breakfast, and we want to make sure everyone has the ability to perform at their best,” said Alan Reed, executive director at Bigger Table.

“By bringing together industry leaders like Prairie Farms, we can deliver innovative solutions to fight food insecurity across the Midwest and support the important work of the St. Louis Area Food Bank.”

The project is an opportunity to build awareness for how organizations working together can play a key role in the fight against hunger.

“We are grateful to our partners at Prairie Farms, Bigger Table and Chicagoland Foods for their investment in alleviating regional hunger,” said St. Louis Area Foodbank President and CEO Meredith Knopp.

“This collaboration is a testament to what is possible when organizations combine their efforts and align their missions for the betterment of all.”