GIANT Food Stores and MARTIN'S Food Markets are joining with The Great American Milk Drive, the first-ever national program to help deliver highly desired and nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.

According to Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet there is a nationwide shortage because it is rarely donated.That's because Americans are generous with canned and dry goods, but milk is much harder to donate because it's perishable.Feeding America clients receive the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year.Through June 27, GIANT customers have the opportunity to make a $4 donation, which equates to one gallon of milk to their local food bank.Tear off pads will be available in the dairy section of all stores. Customers simply tear off one of the Great American Milk Drive scan-cards and bring it with them to any register to make their donation."Milk tops the list of food items requested by many of our regional food bank partners and local children and families in need are missing out on the essential nutrients that milk provides," said John MacDonald, director of marketing and external communications, GIANT/MARTIN'S."In honor of National Dairy Month this June, when you pick up a gallon of milk for your family, consider donating one to a local family in need too."GIANT customers can also make a donation online.With a simple click of a mouse (milklife.com/give), it is possible to buy much-needed milk and donate it for as little as $5 to a family who does not have regular access to it.By entering your zip code, you can ensure that the milk is delivered from the farm to a local Feeding America food bank in your own community.The Great American Milk Drive is made possible by the nation's dairy farmers and milk companies."June is National Dairy Month, and this month The Great American Milk Drive is on a mission to bring more fresh, nutritious milk to children and families in need in local communities and beyond." said Althea Zanecosky, Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association registered dietitian."We're focused on powering the play of those in GIANT/MARTIN'S communities by encouraging much-needed, nutrient-rich milk donations."