Dairy has been long-hailed as an outstanding, nutrient-packed, food that provides the basis for some of our favorite summer treats. But, this month, it’s also a basis for hope thanks to Pennsylvania’s collaboration on World Milk Day and throughout National Dairy Month.
On June 1, World Milk Day, American Dairy Association North East joined Feeding Pennsylvania and PA Dairymen’s Association at Weis Markets in Macungie, Pa., to launch its National Dairy Month in-store Fill a Glass with Hope campaign.
During June, Weis Markets customers in Pennsylvania can round up their change at checkout to help fight hunger through Fill a Glass with Hope. Donations will be distributed through local food banks to purchase milk, including Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Helping Harvest, Philabundance, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, and Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.
Dairy farmer Doug Sattazahn of Zahncroft Farm in Womelsdorf, Pa., spoke on behalf of all dairy farmers at the event, saying, “As a dairy farmer and a father, I’m proud of the work that Fill a Glass with Hope does to ensure children and families in need have access to milk’s essential nutrients.”
During the event, Weis Markets also announced its donation of fresh milk to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania. Additionally, Weis vendor partners Chobani, Kraft Heinz, Lactalis, Tropicana, and Upfield donated $45,000 to kick off the month-long Fill a Glass with Hope campaign.
“We’re proud to help facilitate this program on behalf of the state’s dairy farm families who work so hard to provide wholesome, nutritious milk for consumers, and especially for families in need,” said ADA North East CEO John Chrisman. “This program is successful because of the strong support we receive from all of our partners and generous donors here in the Commonwealth.”
Fill a Glass of Hope has provided 34 million servings of milk to families in need since launching in 2015.
»Related: Research adds thousands of years to region’s history with dairy
