Dedicated Dairy Cooler Donation Enhances Food Pantry Services in Cocke County

The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting dairy benefits, recently addressed a critical need for families in Cocke County facing food insecurity by donating a dedicated dairy cooler to The Breadbasket food pantry. This initiative was made possible through funding from the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee and the advocacy of local dairy farmer Deborah Boyd, who recognized the community's need and partnered with The Dairy Alliance to secure the essential equipment. The donation represents a significant enhancement to the pantry's capacity to serve hundreds of families monthly with nourishing food and household essentials.

On January 16th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the new cooler at The Breadbasket, which will allow the pantry to safely store dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other nutritious staples. Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance, stated that the organization is honored to support The Breadbasket by providing equipment that enables safe dairy storage and continues their vital mission of fighting hunger. Newberry expressed gratitude to the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee for making the donation possible and to Deborah Boyd for advocating for the initiative. The Dairy Alliance works closely with dairy farmers across the Southeast to help ensure communities have access to wholesome, nutritious milk and dairy products, as detailed on their website at https://thedairyalliance.com.

The Breadbasket serves as an important resource for Cocke County, providing families with monthly food bags containing approximately 15 meals, including items like rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, soups, meats, and bread. Additionally, the pantry offers a "Pick 2" program featuring 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 ask for milk and other dairy products, but without proper cold storage, the pantry couldn't safely provide them. Thanks to Deborah Boyd's identification of this need and collaboration with The Dairy Alliance, the dedicated dairy cooler fills a critical gap in services, enhancing the pantry's ability to meet community demands.

Throughout the year, The Breadbasket relies on donations and community partnerships to continue its mission, which includes supporting over 2,000 individuals with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. This donation not only addresses immediate nutritional needs by providing access to dairy products but also strengthens the pantry's infrastructure for long-term service sustainability. The initiative highlights the importance of local advocacy and cross-sector collaboration in addressing food insecurity, demonstrating how targeted support from organizations like The Dairy Alliance can have a tangible impact on community health and well-being. By ensuring safe storage for perishable items, the cooler enables The Breadbasket to expand its offerings and better serve vulnerable populations in the region.