Nov 29, 2011 10:09 AM

At a time of year when hunger is in the spotlight, Dean Foods (NYSE: DF) has been recognized for its efforts to fight hunger by being named a national Mission Partner by Feeding America. Since 2008, Dallas-based Dean Foods donated nearly 40 million pounds of food and dairy products, hundreds of thousands of dollars, and numerous hours of volunteerism to fight hunger in communities with Dean Foods operations.

The company’s Fresh Dairy Direct-Morningstar segment is the largest US processor and distributor of milk, creamers, and cultured dairy products marketed under more than 50 local and regional dairy brands, as well as through private labels. The WhiteWave segment produces and sells an array of branded dairy, soy, and plant-based beverages and foods, including Silk soy, almond, and coconut milk; Horizon Organic milk and dairy products; International Delight coffee creamers; and Land O’ Lakes creamers.

Feeding America is a domestic hunger-relief charity with a nationwide network of member food banks.

According to Feeding America, in 2010 alone, Dean Foods donated more than 12 million pounds of food that served more than 20,000 charities throughout 32 states across the Feeding America network. Here are a few of those stories:

Community Food Share, Boulder CO

For decades, WhiteWave has helped Community Food Share in its mission to ensure that the people of Boulder and Broomfield counties have access to nutritious food. This has included unique sponsorships, milk and other product donations, and a $250,000 grant to support a new warehouse, allowing the food bank to serve more people.

Each year, Colorado employees participate in the Community Food Share’s Compete to Beat Hunger Corporate Challenge. In 2011, 99.5% of WhiteWave’s Colorado-based employees donated to the Corporate Challenge, and with the company matching their donations dollar for dollar, raised enough money to provide more than 463,000 meals to local people in need.

Greater Boston (MA) Food Bank

Garelick Farms in Massachusetts embraces its hometown food bank, as well. The Greater Boston Food Bank supplies food for as many as 545,000 people throughout the 190 cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. Garelick Farms Massachusetts operations provide milk for GBFB’s Kids Cafe Program, which provides meals to more than 1,700 children after school each day. In addition, Garelick Farms made a $50,000 contribution to GBFB’s capital campaign to help fund its recently completed distribution center in Boston.

Second Harvest Heartland, St Paul MN

In 2010, Second Harvest Heartland created the Hunger Hero awards to recognize the scale of effort put forth by certain community partners. The Dean Foods plant in Woodbury MN was named the inaugural Hunger Hero in the Food Donor category for donating more than 900,000 pounds of milk that served about 1,000 food bank programs. Moreover, the company opted to forgo a holiday party and instead donated those funds to Second Harvest Heartland, delivering an additional 1,500 gallons of milk to families over the holiday season.