Photo by Polina Tankilevitch
This Event Has Ended.
More than 825,000 gallons of milk donated since 2015; event also supports Michigan dairy farmers!
For more than a decade,
Busch’s Fresh Food Market has helped provide fresh milk to families facing food insecurity across southeast Michigan and beginning March 9 through March 22, the family-owned grocer will host its annual Spring Milk Drive. The goal is to collect 53,000 gallons for local food banks. Since the program was launched in 2015, in partnership with United Dairy Industry of Michigan (UDIM), guests have donated 825,983 gallons of milk and raised more than $284,000 in additional support. In 2025 alone, guests contributed 107,648 gallons to families in need. For images click here.
Each of Busch’s 16 Southeast Michigan stores will set individual donation goals, encouraging guests 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 such a critical source of nutrition.
Beyond providing critical nutrition to families in need,
the program plays an important 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 Michigan dairy farmers. At the same time, 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 Busch’s Category Manager Joelle Forbes. “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. Associates enjoy the event, dressing up as cows too and there are signs and balloons everywhere highlighting the event.
President and CEO of Forgotten Harvest, Adrian Lewis, said that milk and dairy donations were 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,” he explained “UDIM’s collaboration with Busch’s helps keep our community healthy.”
For 50 years, Busch’s Fresh Food Market has grown alongside the communities it serves. Supporting local schools, food banks, and families in need is not just a campaign; it is a year-round commitment. Through Cash for Education, Busch’s contributes up to $200,000 annually to neighborhood schools, and their stores regularly partner with organizations like Food Gatherers and Forgotten Harvest to help ensure families across Southeast Michigan have access to fresh food.
For more information on Busch’s go to buschs.com.
About Busch’s Fresh Food Market
Founded in 1975, Busch’s Fresh Food Market is a family-owned independent supermarket chain which has been proudly serving the southeastern Michigan community for 50 years. It operates 16 stores in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Livingston counties, and currently employs over 1,600 associates. The company, which has its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is dedicated to offering high-quality groceries, premium produce, and exceptional customer service. Busch’s is committed to supporting local farmers, artisans, and suppliers to provide its customers with the best in fresh, sustainable food. For more information go to buschs.com.