Greater Harrisburg's Community Magazine

Got Milk? Fundraiser to provide milk to families in need kicks off at PA Farm Show

State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and other local officials celebrate the “Fill a Glass with Hope” fundraiser at the PA Farm Show complex.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show officially kicks off on Saturday, but the sprawling complex was already buzzing on Friday.

In the main food court, local officials toasted the “Fill a Glass with Hope” fundraiser, an annual effort to provide fresh milk to Pennsylvania families in need.

“Farmers helping farmers is what it’s all about,” said Dave Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. “And farmers helping neighbors is a big part of that.”

The initiative comes out of a partnership between the organizations Feeding Pennsylvania, the PA Dairymen’s Association and the American Dairy Association North East.

Funds raised will go towards providing milk to food banks across the state. Since the initiative started in 2015, it has provided 27 million servings of milk to underserved families.

The 2022 fundraiser kicked off with over $180,000 in donations from sponsors like FirstEnergy, Weis Markets, Columbia Gas, Coterra Energy and Land O Lakes. Organizers believe this year’s funds will supply around 700,000 servings of milk.

Public donations to the fundraiser can be made at the PA Dairymen’s Association’s milkshake stand at the Farm Show or online.

“Together, we are feeding those who are in need across Pennsylvania, and I’m particularly proud of the farming community,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

For more information, visit www.feedingpa.org/milk.  

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