LINGLEATOWN, Pa. – In celebration of World Milk Day and the launch of National Dairy Month, Weis Markets joined forces with the PA Dairymen's Association, Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, and American Dairy Association North East for a special event at its Linglestown, Pa., location. The gathering highlighted the vital role dairy plays in local communities while marking the 11th annual Fill A Glass With Hope® campaign.
As part of the festivities, the Weis Markets Charitable Foundation donated fresh milk to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, supporting its Harrisburg and Williamsport locations. Vendor partners joined in the event to kick off the campaign included Kraft, Chobani, Flora Food Group, and Danone, helping to provide milk to families in need. Customers, associates, and guests were also treated to a visit from the PA Dairymen’s “Milkshakes On The Moo-ve” truck, adding a sweet finish to a meaningful day.
Throughout the month of June, Weis Markets customers in Pennsylvania can join in the movement to end hunger by rounding up their grocery payments at checkout. Contributions will be part of a donation made from the Weis Markets Charitable Foundation, Inc. to the Fill A Glass With Hope campaign, which will distribute funds to the following local food banks to purchase fresh milk from local producers: Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Philabundance, Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank.
"At Weis Markets, nourishing the communities we call home is at the heart of everything we do," said Maria Rizzo, Vice President of Marketing and Advertising at Weis Markets. "Dairy is a cornerstone of a healthy diet, and no family should have to go without it. That's why we're proud to once again stand alongside our incredible partners at the PA Dairymen's Association, Feeding Pennsylvania, and American Dairy Association North East, to bring the Fill A Glass With Hope campaign to our customers for the 11th year. Every purchase rounded up at the register is a direct investment in a neighbor's well-being, and that matters deeply to us."
The event featured special appearances from Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Dairy Royalty; local dairy farmer Matt Brake, fourth-generation dairyman at Oakleigh Farm in Mercersburg, PA; Executive Director of PA Dairymen’s Association, Dave Smith; representatives from Kraft, Chobani, and Danone; and representatives from Feeding Pennsylvania.
“Feeding our neighbors in need is a priority for our dairy farmers, and we are proud to partner with Feeding Pennsylvania, the American Dairy Association North East, and Weis Markets along with their generous customers for this year’s Dairy Month register roundup for Fill A Glass With Hope,” said Dave Smith, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association. “This important hunger prevention initiative helps increase access to fresh, nutritious milk for families in our communities who need our assistance. Dairy farmers are committed to ensuring everyone has access to wholesome, nutrient-rich foods and partnerships like this help us make a meaningful difference.”
“The dairy farmers we represent believe every family deserves access to fresh, wholesome milk and dairy foods,” said John Chrisman, CEO of American Dairy Association North East. “That commitment inspired us to launch Fill A Glass With Hope® more than a decade ago, and we are deeply grateful for the partnership of Weis Markets in helping bring that mission to life. Together, we have provided 42.6 million servings of fresh milk to families and individuals in need, delivering nourishment, comfort and hope to communities across our region.”
"Access to fresh, local milk through initiatives like Fill a Glass with Hope is a game-changer for families facing hunger, providing vital nutrition that truly transforms lives,” said Lauren Duff, Chief Public Affairs Officer at Feeding Pennsylvania. “We are grateful to our dedicated partners and sponsors whose generosity makes it possible to deliver Pennsylvania-produced milk to our charitable food system. This critical support isn't just about feeding our neighbors; it's a powerful investment in local agriculture, strengthening our economies while ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to wholesome food."
Although milk is one of the most requested items at food banks, it is often in short supply because fresh dairy products are more difficult to donate and distribute. Increasing access to milk can help close critical nutrition gaps for families and children who rely on food assistance programs.
