As ADA North East continues to coordinate distribution events to get milk and dairy foods into the hands of local families, dairy farmers and dairy promotion groups also continue to volunteer at the events. Each farmer cites different reasons for participating, but all are concerned by the ongoing food insecurity of those in their communities.
Several farmers also commented on the positive relationships that are developing within their local communities as a result of the distribution events.
ADA North East board member Joan Smith from Sauquoit, N.Y., and dairy farmer Terri DiNitto of Marcy, N.Y., volunteered at the milk drive in Utica, N.Y., on Wednesday.
“The community outreach is great, and the camaraderie among the volunteers is fantastic,â€_x009d_ said Smith. “It’s so important to get all these different organizations together for the needs of the community.â€_x009d_
This week, nearly 10,500 gallons were distributed at New York drive-through events in East Syracuse, Utica and Sandy Creek. An additional 33,900 gallons were delivered through the Salvation Army and other community organizations in Brooklyn, Long Island City and at the Fort Drum Army Base.
The milk has been made available through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) funds. In total since mid-May, 325,500 gallons of milk have been distributed to families in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware with milk purchased from Clover Farms, Dairy Farmers of America, Harrisburg Dairies, Schneider’s Dairy, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and H.P. Hood.