Your local promotion staff works in a variety of ways with partners and others to help move more dairy. Some highlights: SUDIA and the United Dairymen of Idaho partnered with Chick-fil-A to bring together menu developers from restaurant chains headquartered in the Southeast.

The goal was to inspire them to add more cheese to their menus. Because of their interest in how dairy is produced, speakers presented on dairy’s sustainability efforts and the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) program. Restaurant chains included Hardee’s, Schlotzski’s Deli, Biscuitville and others.

American Dairy Association of Indiana:

Elwood (Ind.) Community Schools introduced “Pizza Hut Friday” to its summer meals program for students, including some who might not have access to lunch. The school saw increased participation on Pizza Hut Friday as well as other days. A local Pizza Hut included flyers about the meals on its delivery and pick-up orders.

Dairy Farmers of Washington:

“Northwest Farmers Fighting Hunger” is a statewide June initiative founded by the Dairy Farmers of Washington that brings together partners from government, business, non-profits, media and dairy community. These partners collect food and cash for the purchase of fresh milk and raise awareness of food insecurity, especially among children.

Dairy MAX and Western Dairy Association:

Dairy MAX and Western Dairy Association partnered with 330 McDonald’s franchises in Colorado and New Mexico on a free back-to-school breakfast event. Students from kindergarten through eighth grade stopped at participating McDonald’s on their way to school for an Egg McMuffin, apple slices and a jug of low-fat milk. The event included coupons, tray liners, bag stuffers and media opportunities that talked about the importance of a good breakfast featuring nutrient-packed dairy.

New England Dairy and Food Council:

New England Dairy and Food Council partnered with Aramark and Stop & Shop supermarkets for a Rhode Island School Breakfast Recipe Challenge. The winning team and its “Lucky Green Smoothie” recipe were featured in Stop & Shop’s Savory magazine, which has a circulation of about 1.2 million. Aramark also featured the student recipes on its June School Breakfast menus.

Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council (ODNC):

Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council promoted Kroger’s “Help Feed a Childhood with Milk” campaign during Hunger Action Month in support of the Great American Milk Drive. The organizations have worked on hunger relief efforts to help food pantries stock more dairy products, which are in high demand but low in supply.

Florida Dairy Farmers (FDF):

To reach the 90,000-plus University of Florida football fans who attend each home game, FDF and Domino’s created a coupon/football ticket sweepstakes. Among other distribution points, the information was placed in 7,000 game-day bags given to fans at the first game. 

PHOTOS: A Domino’s coupon for hungry Gators fans meant more cheese in more Florida homes. Images courtesy of DMI.