Great news for area food banks was announced at the Pennsylvania Farm Show this week. Rising to the challenge of helping families in need, Pennsylvania Dairy Princesses from across the state have raised more than $10,250 for Fill a Glass with Hope in a year-long campaign to get milk to families using food banks and community feeding programs.
With a celebratory milk toast and official bell ringing, members kicked off the 2019 Fill a Glass with Hope campaign — a charitable fresh milk distribution program at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.
Launched in 2015 in Central Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh, Fill a Glass with Hope expanded in 2016 to become the first statewide charitable fresh milk distribution program in the country. Since its inception, Fill a Glass with Hope has provided more than 10 million servings of milk to families in need through Feeding Pennsylvania’s eight member food banks statewide. The fundraising for the 2019 campaign launched today with major donations of $136,300.
Jane Clements-Smith, Executive Director of Feeding Pennsylvania said, “Milk is one of the most requested items in our charitable food network and Feeding Pennsylvania’s member food banks are extremely appreciative of our dairy farmers and business leaders for investing in this amazing program so that we can purchase milk, at a reduced price, directly from local dairy processors and distribute it to Pennsylvania families in need.”
Dairy farmer Jeff Raney, and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, encouraged attendees to this year’s Farm Show to join this year’s efforts. “Pennsylvania dairy farmers are proud of the Fill A Glass with Hope campaign, an initiative that showcases our dedication for producing wholesome, nutritious milk, and also for ensuring it is accessible to families in our communities throughout the state,” said Raney.
After the milkshake toast, and official bell ringing to officially open the PA Farm Show Food Court, celebrities, including those from the media, joined efforts to tackle hunger as Celebrity Milkshake Servers at the PA Dairymen’s Association Milkshake Booth, to raise awareness and resources for the award-winning program. To learn more or to donate, visit their website.
Fresh milk is the most requested item at food banks, but the least donated. Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion Services, Inc., is dedicated to inspiring passion about Pennsylvania’s official beverage — MILK.
