MD Dairy Farmers Help Provide 96,000 Gallons Of Milk To Families

MARYLAND — Consumers in Maryland, District of Columbia, Virginia and Delaware donated to the Great American Milk Drive this summer at Safeway stores, generating almost $382,000 that provided an estimated 96,000 gallons of milk to area families. The initiative was held during National Dairy Month.

“Families need milk all year long, not just during a pandemic, and programs like the Great American Milk Drive help make that happen,” said American Dairy Association North-East chief executive officer Rick Naczi in a news release. “By combining efforts with national organizations and local retailers, we can keep those dollars here to help in our local communities.”

Maryland dairy farmer Walter Rutledge participated in a video to promote the campaign in Safeway stores, which helped shoppers make the connection between the product on the shelves and the farmer who produces it.

“Local dairy farmers like me are committed to working every day to provide our communities with a nutritious and wholesome product,” Rutledge said in a news release. “During this challenging time, we are working harder than ever to ensure that your local dairy aisle and food pantry is stocked with fresh, local milk.”

Since 2014, the Great American Milk Drive has delivered more than 2 million gallons – or more than 33 million servings – of milk to children and families in need through member food banks and pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and feeding programs.