Chobani Yogurt, Meant for American Olympians, Donated to Food Banks Instead

Since American Olympians won't be enjoying Chobani Greek yogurt while competing in Sochi, the yogurt company has decided to donate the treats to local food banks instead.

The Associated Press reported that despite efforts by Sen. Chuck Schumer to get the dairy treat delivered to American athletes in Russia, the yogurt will be sent to several food banks in the New York and New Jersey area.

"While we did not prevail, there is a silver--or gold--lining in the news that the yogurt will be donated to hungry men, women and children in New York and New Jersey," Schumer said in a statement Thursday.

The shipment of 5,000 individual cups of yogurt was being refrigerated in a New Jersey warehouse. Russian officials reportedly banned the shipment, stating that the U.S. Department of Agriculture failed to "provide a necessary certificate under its customs rules."

"We decided that if we didn't have a resolution by today, we were going to donate the products," said Peter McGuinness, Chobani's chief marketing officer, in a phone interview, according to the AP.

Last Week, Chobani, a U.S. Olympic Committee sponsor posted a picture of yogurt cups in the six rainbow colors of the Gay Pride flag. The cups are seated in a field of snow, each holding the blue sky with the tagline "Naturally powering Team USA."

Hamdi Ulukaya, Chobani CEO, noted that the picture was a response to Russia's anti-LGBT law and said he was disappointed that athletes won't be able to get the yogurt but is satisfied with the idea of the yogurt being donated to food banks.

"It's disappointing that in 2014 this is still an issue," Chobani's CEO, Hamdi Ulukaya, told the Associated Press on Friday. "We are against all laws and practices that discriminate in any way, whether it be where you come from or who you love - for that reason, we oppose Russia's anti-LGBT law."