Dairy farmer Peggy Murray loads a box of food products into a car at the milk distribution in Jefferson County, N.Y.
ADA North East continues to partner with local milk cooperatives and community organizations to facilitate the distribution of milk to families in need throughout the region. ADA North East board member and dairy farmer Peggy Murray of Murcrest Farms, Copenhagen, N.Y., shares her experience of volunteering at a recent milk drive.
Murray volunteered at the Watertown, N.Y., milk drive last week along with husband Lynn. “It was overwhelming and humbling to see the nearly 2,000 cars passing through, knowing there are so many families in need and who have to go without food,” said Murray. “It was also heartwarming to see their gratitude — especially for the whole milk – and to know that people really want the products that we produce on the farm.”
Murray also regularly volunteers at her local food bank where they distribute milk vouchers to families, recognizing their desire for milk and dairy. She added, “we know being involved in the local community is really important and we’re happy to be a part of it.”
More than 20,000 gallons of milk will made available this week in New York and Pennsylvania through Nourish New York and the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will be purchased from Dairy Farmers of America, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and Schneider’s Dairy.