The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting dairy benefits, has addressed a critical need for families facing food insecurity in Cocke County, Tennessee. With funding from the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee, the organization donated a dedicated dairy cooler fully stocked with Mayfield milk to The Breadbasket, a local nonprofit food pantry. This initiative was made possible through the efforts of local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd, who recognized the community need and partnered with The Dairy Alliance to secure the cooler.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 16th at The Breadbasket to celebrate the new cooler, which enhances the pantry's ability to serve hundreds of families each month. The dedicated cooler allows The Breadbasket to safely store dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other nutritious staples for families who need them most. Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance, stated that the organization is honored to support The Breadbasket with equipment that enables safe dairy storage and continues their vital mission of fighting hunger.
The Breadbasket serves as an important resource for Cocke County, providing families with approximately 15 meals per month through food bags containing items like rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, soups, meats, and bread. Additionally, the pantry operates a "Pick 2" program offering hygiene products, medical supplies, diapers, coats, and other essentials at their facility located at 625 Honey Bee Lane in Newport. Jamee Morrow, Director of The Breadbasket, explained that families consistently requested milk and dairy products, but without proper cold storage, the pantry couldn't safely provide them until this donation.
This development has significant implications for food security in the region. Access to nutritious dairy products is essential for balanced diets, particularly for children and vulnerable populations. The cooler donation directly addresses a service gap that limited the pantry's ability to distribute perishable, nutrient-dense foods. Beyond immediate nutritional benefits, this partnership demonstrates how agricultural organizations can collaborate with community services to address local needs effectively.
The Dairy Alliance works closely with dairy farmers across the Southeast to help ensure communities have access to wholesome, nutritious milk and dairy products. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com. Throughout the year, The Breadbasket relies on donations and community partnerships to continue its mission, including supporting more than 2,000 individuals with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. This dairy cooler donation represents a sustainable solution that will continue serving families long-term, strengthening the local food assistance infrastructure in Cocke County.
