Illinois dairy farmers and the Illinois Milk Producers Association are donating 9,936 pounds of milk, including lactose-free, to the local food bank to help folks dealing with food insecurity.

The donation is in partnership with Prairie Farms, Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association.

IL Agriculture director, Jerry Costello, was on hand at a Wednesday afternoon news conference at the Central Illinois Food Bank to announce the donation.

He said during National Dairy Month it’s important to pay tribute to the over 400 Illinois dairy producers who serve every Illinois community.

Central Illinois Foodbank executive director, Pam Molitoris, says the donation of over 1,200 half-gallon containers of milk will fill a big need for nutritious dairy products for families in Central Illinois.

She went on to say they are especially grateful for the lactose-free milk as the food bank typically cannot afford it.