Rouses Markets donates $20,000 in dairy products to maintain two dairy coolers at Nicholls State University

SCHRIEVER, LA (November 8, 2023) — Rouses Markets and Dairy MAX have joined forces to make nutritious dairy foods and beverages readily available to food-insecure students at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, and provide nutrition support for Nicholls 350 student athletes. This collaborative effort is an integral part of Rouses Markets’ Dairy Month promotion, which successfully raised funds to fight hunger.

As part of this initiative, Rouses Markets has generously donated $8,000 in dairy products to maintain a new 64-gallon cooler provided by Dairy MAX, located in the Colonel Closet Pantry within the Brady apartment building. The pantry is managed by Student Affairs Case Managers.

Donny Rouse, CEO of Rouses Markets, expressed his enthusiasm for this project, “We have launched initiatives and partnerships to make nutritious food more accessible to those in need, and were looking for something truly impactful to help fight food insecurity on campus, which is a growing problem.” It is estimated that 40% of college students are food insecure, which can impact their academic performance, and even their ability to stay in school.

Michelle Van Pelt, Business Development Manager for Dairy MAX, highlighted the significance of dairy items in food pantries, stating, “Dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt are some of the most requested, yet least available foods in food pantries. Providing 13 essential nutrients like high-quality protein and calcium it is an essential staple. Dairy MAX is committed to helping remove barriers and increase access to dairy foods, placing coolers in food pantries. We are thrilled to work with Rouses and Nicholls State University  ensuring equitable access to nutrient-rich dairy foods.”

Rouses Markets is providing all of the dairy items for one year, and the school will work directly with their nearby store at 1030 South Acadia Road, to ensure a consistent supply.

To further enhance athlete nutrition and recovery, a second cooler dedicated to chocolate milk is being installed in the athletic department courtesy of Rouses Markets and Dairy MAX’s BUILT w/Chocolate Milk program. Rouses Markets has donated $12,000 in chocolate milk to maintain the cooler, which provides athletes with high quality protein. Research has shown that chocolate milk offers significant advantages over traditional sports drinks.

“This partnership also allows us to further bolster Nicholls athletics and our community in yet another meaningful way,” noted Donny Rouse. Rouses Markets has made several transformational gifts to Nicholls athletics in the past decade and is an official sponsor of Nicholls State University Athletics.

Nicholls State University Athletics sponsors 17 Division 1 sports teams and 350 student-athletes. The chocolate milk that will be provided to all 350 student-athletes is part of their strength and conditioning program.

“Chocolate milk is used as the main protein source for our student-athletes and is an integral part of the recovery and nutrition process. As the lowest-funded school in the Southland conference with a football team, the support that we have received through the Rouses and BUILT by Dairy MAX partnership goes a long way towards achieving our mission of providing a first-class student-athlete experience,” stated Hillary Charpentier, Director of Colonel Athletic Association.

Jaclyn Alkhatib, Dairy MAX Manager of Sports Marketing, emphasized the nutritional benefits of chocolate milk, stating, “Texas dairy farm families are committed to supporting athlete nutrition, and chocolate milk contains the golden ratio of carbs-to-protein and 13 essential nutrients that make it a proven recovery beverage. We’re excited to partner with Nicholls to ensure all of their talented athletes can refuel with the nutritional benefits of chocolate milk.”

The partnership demonstrates their dedication to addressing food insecurity on campus and promoting the well-being of Nicholls State University’s athletes. It will be commemorated with ribbon cuttings to celebrate the donation of new commercial-grade refrigerators on November 9th on Nicholls campus. Football coach Tim Rebowe, baseball coach Mike Silva, and university leadership will be on hand for the ribbon cutting in the athletic building.

About Rouses Markets: Family owned and operated since 1960, Rouses Markets employs more than 7,000 people and operates more than 60 full-service supermarkets in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Donny Rouse, CEO, is the third generation to run the company. True to the family and company’s local roots, Rouses Markets puts local and community first by hiring local, stocking uniquely local products, supporting other local businesses along with local farmers and fishers, and giving back to every community it serves.

About Dairy MAX: Founded more than 40 years ago, Dairy MAX is one of the leading regional dairy councils in America – representing more than 900 dairy farmers and serving communities in eight states: Colorado, southwest Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, western Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. A nonprofit organization, Dairy MAX is part of a nationwide effort to promote American agriculture, support dairy farming and drive impact for every dairy farmer. The organization operates five audience outreach programs: business development, consumer marketing, health and wellness, industry image and relations and school marketing. For more

information about Dairy MAX and its team of experts, visit DairyMAX.org Dairy resources and delicious recipes are available at DairyDiscoveryZone.com.