SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Dairy farmer and American Dairy Association North East board member Dina Zug of Mifflintown, Pa., recently helped kick off the 2022 Fill a Glass with Hope® campaign at the Pennsylvania Farm Show that has raised $180,000 in donations to feed Pennsylvania’s food-insecure families. To-date, the campaign has provided more than 27 million servings of fresh milk to nourish those in need.

Fill a Glass with Hope was initiated in 2015 by Pennsylvania dairy farmers who wanted to ensure families in need had access to fresh, nutritious milk to feed their families. A partnership was formed between ADA North East, Feeding Pennsylvania’s nine-member food banks and the PA Dairymen’s Association.

The contributions, developed through grants, corporate sponsors, and individual donations, enable food banks to purchase milk at a discounted price directly from processors to distribute to those in need. The funds also support the expansion of the food banks’ infrastructure needed to handle fresh milk which is the largest challenge to distribution because of its perishability.

“I’m proud to represent my fellow dairy farmers to highlight the importance of Fill a Glass with Hope,” said Zug. “This initiative showcases our dedication to producing wholesome, nutritious milk, and also for ensuring its accessibility to families in our communities throughout the state.”

Zug joined representatives from Feeding Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, along with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Torrey Smith, and the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Alternates for the announcement at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

Learn more about Fill a Glass with Hope here.

–American Dairy Association North East