By Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of IDFA

As we recognize the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country on this Memorial Day, IDFA also recognizes the many IDFA members who have put an emphasis on the importance of honoring our country’s military service members and veterans through community engagement, hiring, and other efforts. Our members make approximately 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and dairy ingredients produced in the United States and sold throughout the world—that’s a big footprint across the country and an even bigger opportunity to make a difference. In this respect, Chobani’s work on behalf of military families is inspiring.

Last year, Chobani announced a fundraising campaign for Operation Homefront with the aim of raising $1 million for the national non-profit that serves America’s military families. The funds will help in the delivery of critical financial assistance and support for military families across the nation. Chobani donated $500,000 right out of the gate and the company pledged to match up to $250,000 in additional donations facilitated by a new Chobani product called “Hero Batch” Red, White and Blueberry Greek yogurt. The new product was designed by military veterans at Chobani. Watch this video to learn more.

Operation Homefront’s mission is to help build strong, supportive, stable, and thriving military families. They believe in the importance of guiding these families toward success in the communities and country they have fought to protect. Since 2011, Operation Homefront has provided families with nearly $25 million in support and by partnering with Chobani, hope to help even more families succeed.

Food assistance is among the top three most common requests by military families each year. In partnership with Chobani, Operation Homefront has dedicated their time to provide families with the right assistance and most helpful resources.

IDFA is proud to represent many of the nation’s leading dairy companies that provide jobs to our military men and women as well as economic growth for U.S. communities and nourishment for American families. IDFA members support 3 million jobs that generate more than $161 billion in wages and deliver an overall economic impact of more than $628 billion for the U.S. economy