The 2024 Fill a Glass with Hope charitable milk distribution program got a big boost with $135,500 in donations thanks to its annual Feeding Pennsylvania fundraising campaign launch.
More than 1.2 million Pennsylvanians, including 325,000 children, experience food insecurity each year. Due to programs like FGWH, Feeding Pennsylvania’s nine partner food banks distribute more than 164 million pounds of food through a network of over 2,700 agencies and feeding programs.
“Milk is one of the most requested items at food banks across the state,” said Julie Bancroft, CEO, Feeding Pennsylvania. “Fill a Glass with Hope allows food banks to secure more nutritious and nourishing, protein-rich milk to help Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger thrive.”
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding lauded hardworking dairy farmers who make up the largest segment of the state’s agriculture industry and the 5,000 dairy farm families that supply dairy products for consumers, the hungry, and the state’s charitable food system.
“In a state as rich in resources as Pennsylvania, no one should go to bed not knowing where their next meal will come from,” Redding said. “We are grateful to Pennsylvania farmers for their generosity and proud to support their efforts to feed less fortunate neighbors. We’re also grateful to Feeding Pennsylvania, American Dairy Association North East, and Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association for their devotion to fighting hunger in PA.”
During the Pennsylvania Farm Show, two-time Super Bowl Champion and former NFL quarterback Charlie Batch joined a host of state agriculture and dairy leaders, dairy princess royalty, state, business, food bank leaders, and more to announce the program’s kickoff.
Dave Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, commented on why this charitable food program is crucial to feeding the state’s struggling families and how dairy farmers continue to step forward in support.
“With a record number of families struggling to buy food and meet basic living expenses due to rising prices and inflation right now, I am proud that our dairy farmers and partners are dedicated to providing fresh milk to Fill a Glass with Hope for neighbors in need. We all have a responsibility to give back and to help those families who need our aid. Our nutritional dairy products, such as milk, help Pennsylvanians who are facing food insecurity and are served by Feeding PA Food Banks,” Smith said.
After the milkshake toast, visitors flocked to sample all the farm-fresh foods and beverages being offered during the 2024 show. Learn more by visiting the PA Dairymen’s Association Milkshake Booths at the PA Farm Show and donate to Fill a Glass with Hope.