A dairy cooperative and a retailer delivered 12,000 gallons of fresh milk to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan on Friday for distribution to families impacted by the lead-contaminated water in Flint’s municipal water supply.

The Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA), The Kroger Co. of Michigan and the Pediatric Public Health Initiative cooperated in the effort. The Pediatric Public Health Initiative is a joint venture between Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital to address the Flint community’s population-wide exposure to lead.

Foods rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C, including calcium-rich dairy products, can help protect children and families from the harmful effects of lead poisoning, according to a press release issued by the parties.

The donated milk was produced by members of MMPA, a dairy farmer-owned cooperative based in Novi, Mich. The Kroger Co. of Michigan led processing of the milk and packaging into gallon jugs, and Quickway Carriers transported the milk to Flint. The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan will distribute the milk to their network of partner agencies.