The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization promoting dairy benefits, has provided a dedicated dairy cooler to The Breadbasket food pantry in Newport, Tennessee, addressing a critical need for families facing food insecurity. Funded by the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee, the cooler was fully stocked with Mayfield milk and will enhance the pantry's ability to serve hundreds of families monthly with nutritious dairy products.
Local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd recognized the community need and partnered with The Dairy Alliance to secure the cooler, which was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 16th. The equipment allows safe storage of milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy staples that were previously unavailable due to lack of proper cold storage. Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance, stated, "We are honored to support The Breadbasket by providing equipment that allows them to safely store dairy products and continue their vital mission of fighting hunger."
The Breadbasket serves as an important resource for Cocke County, providing monthly food bags containing approximately 15 meals including rice, beans, canned goods, 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, "Families consistently ask for milk and other dairy products, but without proper cold storage, we couldn't safely provide them. Thanks to a local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd, who identified the need and collaborated with The Dairy Alliance, we were able to secure a dedicated dairy cooler, an essential upgrade that fills a critical gap in our services."
This initiative demonstrates how agricultural organizations and local producers can directly address community needs. The Dairy Alliance works with dairy farmers across eight Southeastern states including Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia to promote dairy foods and industry knowledge. Beyond monthly services, The Breadbasket supports more than 2,000 individuals with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, relying on donations and community partnerships throughout the year. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
