Dairy farmer Andy Bollinger and daughter Sally from Meadow Spring Farm, Lititz, Pa., joined American Dairy Association North East to volunteer at a milk and food drive in Hershey, Pa., this week, that provided 1,276 food boxes to local central Pennsylvania families. Each family received a gallon of milk and an assortment of dairy foods, produce and meat.

ADA North East worked with Cocoa Packs, a local food assistance organization, and other local partners to facilitate the distribution through the Farmers to Families Food Box program which is part of USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) government-funded grants.

“This was a great experience to connect with the people who are receiving the milk and dairy foods,” said Bollinger. “As a dairy farmer we strive every day to make a nutritious product to help feed people, and it was really fulfilling to see it meeting the need in the community.”

Dairy farmers have worked tirelessly to help feed local community residents since the pandemic began. Along with ADA North East and other partners, more than 900,000 gallons of milk have been distributed via more than 200 drive-through and drop-off events through out the region since April 2020.

“A year into the pandemic, there remains a significant need in our communities for essential items like milk and food,” said ADA North East CEO Rick Naczi. “Dairy farmers recognize the need and don’t hesitate to take action to support their neighbors – not only by providing a safe, healthy product, but by also giving of their time in so many different ways.”