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Groups representing dairy cooperatives and farmers in the Midwest today urged the federal government to provide direct assistance to farmers and to expedite the purchase of additional dairy foods amid unprecedented disruptions in supply and demand due to the COVID-19 national emergency.

The coronavirus pandemic has food and beverage companies rethinking some everyday efforts.

In a March 31 letter shared with the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association’s (IDDBA) community, IDDBA President and CEO Michael J. Eardley announced the cancelation of the IDDBA 2020 show due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In their March 26 “COVID-19 Impact, Consumer Spending Tracker for MULOC Retailers US, UK, France, Italy, NZ” report — the latest in a series of weekly reports — Chicago-based market research firm IRI and partner Boston Consulting Group show that U.S. retail dairy purchases were up 57.8% during the week ending March 15, 2020, in comparison to the same time period in 2019.

As of March 30, at least 27 U.S. states had issued stay-at-home orders, and many “nonessential” businesses had closed. But food and beverage manufacturers, including dairy processors, continue to operate as part of a subset of industries deemed essential to continued critical infrastructure viability.

As the coronavirus, or COVID-19, continues to spread, the Novi, Mich.-based Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) said it remains steadfast in its mission to market members’ milk to the greatest advantage possible while taking actions to protect the health and safety of its communities.

To facilitate the distribution of food during the COVID-19 pandemic, FDA released a guidance document on March 26 to provide restaurants and food manufacturers with flexibility regarding nutrition labeling of certain packaged food.

As of March 26, 22 U.S. states had issued stay-at-home orders, and many “nonessential” businesses had closed. But food and beverage manufacturers, including dairy processors, continue to operate as part of a subset of industries deemed essential to continued critical infrastructure viability.

Today’s dairy leaders are redefining what it means to be sustainable businesses by elevating good business practices, developing and implementing transportation and logistics solutions, ensuring the highest standards for animal welfare, and committing to and achieving environmental stewardship throughout their supply chains.

As the world continue to address the very real implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Kraft Heinz Co., co-headquartered in Chicago and Pittsburgh, said it committed to donating $12 million globally to ensure people across the globe have the food they need during this challenging time.