Agriculture Secretary George Greig joined the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to unveil the week-long campaign to raise funds for the program, which gets milk into the hands of Pennsylvanians in need.

“We couldn’t have imagined the success of this program when we implemented it last year,” said Greig. “It’s proven good for farmers, for milk dealers, for food banks, and, most importantly, for families who are at risk for hunger. Now we encourage our Farm Show visitors to support this worthy program by giving as they are able through Fill a Glass with Hope.”

Guests can donate funds at designated collection areas in the Farm Show Food Court and the Weis Markets exhibit in the Expo Hall and online at www.centralpafoodbank.org/milk.

Greig also joined partners from Weis, Giant Food Stores and the food bank, which distributes the milk to its affiliates across the state. This program helps 55,000 people served by the food bank. 

“Milk is one of nature’s greatest gifts. The nutrients in milk promote growth, development and healthy wellbeing,” said David Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. “No one should be without milk and through this campaign we all can help ensure that those in need will receive it. I challenge all Farm Show attendees to donate to the fight against hunger.”

Through the public-private partnership, Pennsylvania dairy farmers ship milk to Harrisburg Dairies to be processed for the food bank. The department facilitated the process of discounting milk for purchase by the food bank for its clients.

“At Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, we know milk is wonderful food, and we want to bring its benefits to everyone in need. Our refrigerated milk distribution program continues to grow briskly. Since June our distribution of refrigerated milk has increased to approximately 3,000 quarts per week,” said Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Executive Director Joe Arthur. “We are excited to grow the program, and the Fill a Glass with Hope campaign will enable us to put more milk on the tables of Pennsylvanians facing hunger.”

The food bank’s system distributes food to more than 800 soup kitchens, shelters and food pantries in 27 central Pennsylvania counties, serving about 20,000 households weekly. Ninety-five percent of food banks nationwide report they don’t receive enough milk to meet clients’ needs.
 
Pennsylvania is home to more than 30 milk bottling operations. The state is the nation’s fifth-largest milk producer and home to more than 7,800 dairy farm families.