This week, ADA North East is facilitating the distribution of nearly 40,000 gallons of milk as part of the more than 200,000 gallons slated for distribution during National Dairy Month. Dairy farmer Judi Whittaker of Whittaker Farms, Whitney Point, N.Y., along with Debbie Lawton and Chelsie Fuller of Lawton Jersey Farm in Middlefield, N.Y., participated in today’s event in Tioga County.
“When the pandemic first hit, it was shocking that people couldn’t get the food that we farmers were still producing because of the supply chain issues,” said Whittaker. “These families will now be able to stretch their food dollars that they would have spent on dairy to buy meat and fresh fruits and vegetables. Everyone was so appreciative today, and it feels good to know we could help them.”
Drive-through locations this week included:
- Utica College, Utica, N.Y.
- Oswego Speedway, Oswego, N.Y.
- Cerow Recreation Park, Clayton, N.Y.
- Tioga County Fairgrounds, Owego, N.Y.
Two additional New York deliveries and distributions are being made through the Salvation Army in Syracuse, and several food banks in Long Island City. The milk is made available through Nourish New York and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which is purchased from Dairy Farmers of America and Upstate Niagara Cooperative.