Through our DFA Cares Foundation, we are able to provide disaster relief through product and monetary donations, invest in the future of our industry with scholarships to students pursuing careers in dairy, and donate nutritious dairy and food products for those in need.
Each year we celebrate June Dairy Month by partnering with the Great American Milk Drive, a fundraising effort to provide milk to Feeding America food banks nationwide. In 2019, we kicked off June Dairy Month with World Milk Day June 1 by launching our #GiveMilkMoney campaign, which raised $75,000 throughout the month of June. Through fundraising activities at plants and offices, our employees raised an additional $15,000 for a total donation of more than $90,000 to the Great American Milk Drive. In addition, our farmers and employees volunteered at food banks across the country and hosted community socials on several of our farms.
Throughout September, in recognition of Hunger Action Month, DFA employees collect food and raise money to benefit Feeding American and its network of food banks. In 2018, our employees across the country donated more than 15,000 pounds of non-perishable food items as well as enough money to provide more than 50,000 meals for those in need.
We also act year-round to support our farmers and communities when disaster strikes. Whether flood or fire, drought or disease, we rally to support our neighbors in need with financial support, a literal helping hand or donations of our products. Through our DFA Cares Foundation, we offer assistance on an ongoing basis, and additional support during hard times for anyone in the agricultural industry.
Additionally, we continuously invest in the next generation of dairy leaders to ensure a bright future for our industry. Through our DFA Cares Foundation Scholarship Program, we awarded $57,000 to 45 students pursuing careers in dairy in 2019 alone.