Farm Credit East has donated $1,000 in support of The Great American Milk Drive, a national initiative aimed at providing nutrient-rich gallons of milk to hungry families who need it most.

The funds from the Farm Credit East Cares Community Fund, a charitable community fund established in 2011, will benefit Foodshare, which serves families in need in the Greater Hartford area in Connecticut.

“Farm Credit East is pleased to contribute to The Great American Milk Drive through its Farm Credit East Cares program, which is funded by employee contributions and matched by Farm Credit East,” says Tom Cosgrove, a vice president at Farm Credit East.

“Foodshare is very grateful for the generosity of Farm Credit East in their contribution of $1,000 to The Great American Milk Drive,” says Paula Siebers, Foodshare food sourcing manager. “This donation will provide hundreds of kids in the Greater Hartford area with a voucher for a gallon of nutritious milk during the holiday season.”

The Great American Milk Drive has been the focus of several local campaigns organized by the New England Dairy Promotion Board (NEDPB) and its retail partners, including Hannaford Supermarkets and Adams Hometown Markets, and manufacturer partners, including HP Hood, Guida’s Dairy, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, Booth Brothers and Monument Farms Dairy. Playing a key role have been the dairy farm families of New England.

“Our efforts have raised thousands of dollars and resulted in the direct donation of hundreds of gallons of milk for food banks in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Vermont,” says Jill Monti, regional marketing manager for the NEDPB. “Our efforts are supported by dairy farmers across New England, and we’re pleased that we’ve made a difference in the lives of folks struggling to put nutritious food on the table.” PD

—From Farm Credit East, Foodshare and New England Dairy Promotion Board news release