A local Virginia cooperative is showing their love for dairy farmers during June Dairy Month by continuing their Cheese Ministry.
The Rockingham Cooperative, in partnership with Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Verona Food Pantry, and other local community organizations started the Cheese Ministry earlier this year to support local dairy farmers during a difficult time in the industry as well as supply local food pantries with nutritious cheese products that will provide individuals and families in need with a healthy dairy source.
“In the first 90 days since inception, the Cheese Ministry has purchased and distributed, through our partners, cheese representing $233,000 worth of retail value that went to local food pantries for those in need,” said Keith Turner, Cheese Ministry innovator.
The first order of cheese, delivered in February, included 10 tons of premium mozzarella and provolone cheese. Rockingham Cooperative utilizes its purchasing power to buy trailer-load volume of milk to maximize every donor dollar. Cheese has been donated to over 40 community organizations in Virginia and West Virginia thus far.
Rockingham Cooperative is currently accepting donations from individuals, businesses, community organizations, and any other interested parties to place their next order and shipment of cheese that is locally sourced to the Shenandoah Valley.
Virginia’s oldest member-owned cooperative, Rockingham has been serving the community since 1921. The Cooperative maintains 15 retail locations in six counties across Virginia, offering a variety of products and services to their member-owners and customers.
