Dairy Promoters Fill A Glass of Hope

STAMFORD – A group of enthusiastic dairy ambassadors started the New Year off right as they manned a local food pantry on Jan. 1 and Jan. 2 to give out free milk. It is part of the “Fill a Glass With Hope”  campaign by American Dairy Association North East to bring fresh milk to families in need.   

Money that had  been donated to the promotion program and collected for the corn maze at the Hanselman farm on Family Farm Day last August, as well as donations received at Bovina Farm Day and other dairy promotion activities, were used to buy the milk for the food pantry. 

The promotion program teaches  communities about the importance of dairy farms, and also about the amazing nutrition dairy provides both children and adults. Barb Hanselman, who chairs the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee, said purchasing the milk and putting it  into the hands of those who need it, completes the circle for the young dairy promoters. 

This is the 10th year of the program, which also provides information to the public and families about the nutritional benefits of fresh milk. It is loaded with vitamins and nutrients that help promote heart health, lower the risk for Type 2 Diabetes, promote bone health, sports recovery and weight management. Milk contains 13 essential nutrients important for growth and development. It is recommended you have three servings per day. 

The Delaware County Dairy Ambassadors plan to continue the program and you will find donation jugs along with other fundraising over the coming year. They purchased $300 worth of milk  which they handed out at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall food pantry in Stamford. They also brought 10 gallons and 12 half gallons to the food pantry in Delhi and milk was also sent to the Grand Gorge food pantry. There were additional units to be given out at the next Stamford food pantry.

They have another $175 to purchase milk to give out at another time, hoping to get a number of gallons for each community.