Milk Donation Reimbursement Program

Under the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP), eligible dairy organizations partner with non-profit organizations that distribute food to low-income individuals. Those partnerships may apply for and receive limited reimbursements to cover expenses related to certain fluid milk product donations. In the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress directed USDA to develop the program to reduce food waste and provide nutrition assistance to low-income individuals. Congress authorized $9 million for the program in Fiscal Year 2019, and $5 million per fiscal year thereafter. Interested partnerships apply on a rolling basis by submitting a completed Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form and Eligible Distributor Certification Form.

Eligible Dairy Organizations (EDO)

Dairy farmers, cooperatives, and processors purchasing fresh milk or bulk dairy products to process into retailpackaged dairy products may qualify for this program. In addition, the dairy farmer, cooperative or processor must file a Receipts and Utilization report with a Federal milk marketing order (FMMO). For those reporting to a local FMMO office as part of normal business operations, the requirement is already met. For those that do not, please contact us at ddp@usda.gov so that we can help with filing the Receipts and Utilization report.

Eligible Distributors

EDOs may form one or more partnerships with nonprofit feeding organizations, called eligible distributors, that distribute food to individuals and families. EDOs can partner with an umbrella organization that includes multiple distribution locations or with an individual (or independent) organization with a single distribution location.

Once approved for program eligibility, applicants receive a Reimbursement Claim Form (via email) to submit for reimbursement. Reimbursements cover expenses related to eligible fluid milk product donations. Submit all forms to MDRP@usda.gov. Contact: Bradley Vierra, 202-720-4392.

Submit the following to apply for program eligibility:

• Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form (xlsx)

• Eligible Distributor Certification Form (xlsx)

Once approved for program eligibility, submit the following to receive reimbursement:

• Reimbursement Claim Form (xlsx)

Submit all forms to DDP@usda.gov.

In addition, for the Dairy Donation and Distribution Plan Form, please create and email a password in a separate email to DDP@usda.gov.

• Webinar: USDA’s Dairy Donation Program (DDP)

• MDRP Reimbursement Claim Form Overview (pdf)

• Milk Donation and Distribution Plan Form Sample (xlsx)

• Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (MDRP): What Do I Need to Know?

• Part 1146—Milk Donation Reimbursement Program

• Commodity Specifications for Fluid Milk and Milk Products Eligible for the Milk Donation Reimbursement Program (pdf)