FREE Milk/Food Drive-Thru Events Scheduled for Watertown and Sandy Creek on Thursday, June 18
WHAT: Through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (C.F.A.P.), government-funded grants have been made available to food banks and community organizations to help provide much needed food to those in need.
WHO: American Dairy Association North East is working with Upstate Niagara Cooperative and community partners to facilitate the distribution of more than 8,000 gallons of milk and additional food boxes through local drive-thru events.
WHERE/WHEN:
Watertown’s Salmon Run Mall (enter from Coffeen Street) on Thursday, June 18 beginning at 12 p.m. More than 4,000 gallons of milk will be distributed along with nearly 6,000 pounds of produce, more than 8,000 pounds of meat, and more than 8,000 pounds of additional dairy products made available by Renzi Foodservice, while supplies last. The United Way of Northern New York will also be on hand, passing out more than 70,000 rolls of toilet paper.
Sandy Creek Fairgrounds (291 Ellisburg St., Sandy Creek, NY 13145) on Thursday, June 18 at 12:00 p.m. More than 4,000 gallons of milk will be distributed along with 17,000 pounds of produce and 8,000 pounds of meat. The food boxes are being made available by the Food Bank of Central New York. Each household will receive two gallons of milk and one box each of produce and meat, while supplies last.
HOW: To ensure the safety and health of all involved in the distribution, there will be a drive-thru distribution process for these events. All drivers and passengers must remain in their vehicles and will be prompted to open their trunk to receive milk. If cars do not have a trunk, they will be prompted to open their window to receive milk. Walk-ups will not be permitted.
WHY: Milk and dairy foods are an important source of essential nutrients. Missed meals can lead to fatigue, reduced immune response, and long-term medical issues.
“As a dairy farm family, we are passionate about feeding local families and neighbors,” said Lisa Porter of Porterdale Farms in Adams Center, N.Y. “We are proud to help play a role in ensuring families throughout our community are able to have wholesome, nourishing milk on all of their kitchen tables.”
On behalf of dairy farmers, ADANE plans to help distribute over 200,000 gallons of milk during June.