Local dairy farmers aid Rochester residents and students in need
Written by Site Hub on May 12, 2020
On Monday, May 11, the University of Rochester, in cooperation with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and local dairy farmers, made refrigerated half-gallons of milk available to area residents for free between approximately 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the University’s River Campus Park Lot. The distribution was drive-up only with university volunteers providing the milk to Rochester residents in need through vehicle side windows and in trunks.
The milk was from a 4,000-gallon surplus supply that dairy farmers would have had to otherwise throw away. Local dairy farmers have struggled during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic to sell their milk because of a massive reduction in orders that typically come from restaurants and schools. Farmers who donate milk help the community while also protecting themselves against losses.
As explained in a public statement by Cornell Cooperative Extension Executive Director Andrea Lista prior to the event: “This community outreach exemplifies the generosity of our agriculture community. This is about people helping people. We are proud to collaborate with the Dairy Farmers of America, Mumford Dairy and Meat, and the University of Rochester in this endeavor.”
An additional supply of milk was distributed directly to students in need. The rest of the milk will be distributed this week to the student body through the on-campus food pantry process.
This is an ongoing story.
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