Busch’s Fresh Food Market will hold its annual Spring Milk Drive March 9-22, with a goal of collecting 53,000 gallons for local food banks.
For more than a decade, Busch’s has helped provide fresh milk to families facing food insecurity across southeast Michigan.
Since the program launched in 2015 in partnership with United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), shoppers have donated 825,983 gallons of milk and raised more than $284,000 in additional support. In 2025 alone, they contributed 107,648 gallons to families in need.
Each of Busch’s 16 Southeast Michigan stores will set individual donation goals, encouraging shoppers to donate a gallon of milk during the two-week drive.
Donations will benefit local food banks including Food Gatherers, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank and South Michigan Food Bank.
Milk remains one of the most requested yet least donated items at food banks due to its perishability, despite being a critical source of nutrition.
Supporting dairy supply chain and food banks
The program plays a role in strengthening Michigan’s dairy supply chain. Excess milk from local farms is redirected to families rather than being discarded, reducing waste while supporting the state’s dairy farmers.
The volume generated through the drive provides Southeast Michigan food banks with a reliable supply of milk, allowing them to concentrate resources on other essential food and household needs throughout the year.
Busch’s partnership with local schools helps highlight the Milk Drive while also providing them with a UDIM grant for chocolate milk, used by high school athletes for muscle recovery.
“This project reflects who we are as a partner in the community,” said Joelle Forbes, category manager at Busch’s. “By keeping this milk right here in Southeast Michigan, we are supporting our neighbors who have an immediate need while also helping local dairy farmers.
“The consistency of this drive ensures food banks have a dependable source of fresh milk as we work directly with local food banks to establish dedicated ‘milk accounts’ funded by our generous guests. In this way food banks receive deliveries as needed throughout the year and can focus their efforts on other critical areas of need.”
During the milk drives, Mootilda, the dairy cow mascot from UDIM, makes regular appearances at Busch’s stores. Employees dress up as cows and display signs and balloons highlighting the event.
Adrian Lewis, president and CEO of Forgotten Harvest, said milk and dairy donations are critical for Forgotten Harvest’s ability to provide a balanced, wholesome mix of food to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
“Without access to the vitamins, minerals, and protein that milk can provide, individuals can experience the development or worsening of chronic illnesses, a higher risk of anxiety and depression, and a lack of energy to thrive in their lives,” Lewis said. “UDIM’s collaboration with Busch’s helps keep our community healthy.”
Year-round community commitment
For 50 years, Busch’s Fresh Food Market has supported local schools, food banks and families in need.
Through Cash for Education, Busch’s contributes up to $200,000 annually to neighborhood schools and its stores regularly partner with organizations like Food Gatherers and Forgotten Harvest.
Founded in 1975, Busch’s Fresh Food Market operates stores in Lenawee and Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties, with more than 1,600 employees.
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