As National Dairy Month comes to a close, families within the region received nearly 218,500 gallons of milk thanks to the collaborations between ADA North East, local dairy companies and local community groups. Milk was purchased through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) from Dairy Farmers of America, Harrisburg Dairies, Schneider’s Dairy, Upstate Niagara Cooperative and Clover Farms Dairy.

Lisa Porter of Porterdale Farms, Adams Center, N.Y., volunteered an event in Watertown. “This is our community and whenever I have the opportunity to help out — especially when it involves families with children — the answer is always ‘yes,’â€_x009d_ said Porter. “I was so impressed with the generosity of food and milk made available for those who so desperately need it, and with the organization of the event. We were able to load 10 cars every three minutes!â€_x009d_

This week, New York distributions include Long Island City, Watertown, Herkimer, Lafayette, and Oneida. In Pennsylvania, ADA North East is coordinating with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for distribution around the Harrisburg area.

July will bring additional distributions in Pennsylvania and New York — some will be drive-through events and some will be distributed directly through food banks and schools.

If dairy farmers or community groups are interested in helping coordinate a large local milk drive, ADA North East may be able to help. Please visit the contact us page to request more information. ADA North East is available to help plan a distribution event including logistics, signage and promotion. Just fill out the form on the website and an ADA North East staff member will be in contact.