Kentucky’s dairy farmers received some good news Wednesday. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will purchase 11-13 million gallons of milk from dairy farmers for $50 million and distribute it to food banks across the nation.
Commissioner Quarles said in a release the announcement is a much-needed shot in the arm for the dairy industry, and he was honored to appeal to the USDA on behalf of Kentucky dairy producers and the Kentucky Association of Food Banks. He added this purchase will provide fresh, nutritious milk to families in need. In addition, it will provide a cushion for dairy farm families as they work together to address major structural changes in the dairy industry and chart a course going forward.
Kentucky Association of Food Banks Executive Director Tamara Sandberg stated milk is one of the most requested items at food banks, but food bank clients receive the equivalent of less than one gallon of milk per person per year. She also expressed her gratitude for the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue and Commissioner Quarles to help close this gap while supporting the dairy industry.
The announcement follows a $30,000 grant that was awarded from The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit dairy promotion organization, to God’s Pantry Food Bank in May for the purchase of milk coolers for four affiliate food pantries. The grant was awarded in conjunction with The Dairy Alliance’s Milk 2 My Plate program and the Kentucky Department of Agirculture’s Hunger Initiative, which was unveiled two years ago by Commissioner Quarles.
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