The 10th anniversary of the Fill a Glass with Hope® campaign – the charitable milk distribution program – launched at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show with sponsorship donations of $181,500.
Fill a Glass with Hope was initiated in 2015 by Pennsylvania dairy farmers in partnership with American Dairy Association North East, PA Dairymen’s Association and Feeding Pennsylvania. Thanks to generous supporters like those who donated for the 2025 kickoff, the program has distributed more than 41 million servings of fresh milk through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and feeding programs.
“We are so fortunate that dairy farmers and industry partners came together a decade ago to recognize and fill the need of Pennsylvanians who were facing food insecurity,” said ADA North East CEO John Chrisman. “We’re pleased to help get this nutritious staple on more and more tables every year.”
Lolly Lesher, Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program Chair from Way-Har Farm in Bernville, Pa., added, “For dairy farmers like me, this mission is personal. Providing nutrient-rich milk helps fuel growth, health and potential, but only if people have access to it. Fill a Glass with Hope ensures that access, and it is something to be incredibly proud of.”
ADA North East has expanded the program with retailers in its six-state region. During National Dairy Month, shoppers were encouraged to round up their change at checkout to support Fill a Glass with Hope. Nearly $365,000 was raised in June 2024 to support local distribution of fresh milk.
Chrisman added, “We thank the original team that had the vision for the campaign and joined us for the kickoff, and we are looking forward to celebrating the 10-year milestone throughout 2025.”
American Dairy Association North East CEO John Chrisman (far left) stands with several farmers and industry partners who initiated Fill a Glass with Hope. They are from left to right: Chrisman; Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director Joe Arthur; former Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association Vice-President Laura England; former Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program Chair Harold Shaulis; former Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association CEO Patty Purcell; former Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association Chair Vernon Horst; former Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Markets Chief Lela Reichart; and former Feeding Pennsylvania Executive Director Jane Clements.