Tenth Anniversary of Fill a Glass with Hope® Campaign Aims to Provide Milk for Those in Need
The Fill a Glass with Hope® initiative has just celebrated its tenth anniversary at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, with a campaign set to distribute over 726,000 servings of nutritious fresh milk to food banks across the state. Launched in 2015, this unique charitable program aims to combat food insecurity affecting over 1.5 million Pennsylvanians, including 436,000 children.
At this year's event, influential figures such as two-time Super Bowl Champion Charlie Batch, along with state and agricultural representatives, united to promote the cause. Amidst cheers and support, they announced a staggering total of $181,500 in donations from various sponsors for the 2025 program year. Notably, organizations such as Columbia Gas, NiSource Foundation, Coterra Energy, and Weis Markets are leading the way in contributing to this noble cause.
The importance of fresh milk in combating hunger was highlighted by Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft, who remarked, 'As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Fill a Glass with Hope, the support from our sponsors and partners demonstrates how communities unite to uplift those in need.' The Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding, also voiced his support, acknowledging the pivotal role dairy farmers play in the initiative, stating that it is unacceptable for anyone in the resource-rich state of Pennsylvania to face food insecurity.
Since its inception, Fill a Glass with Hope has made significant strides in addressing hunger. Thanks to partnerships with various stakeholders, including Feeding Pennsylvania, the program has provided over 41 million servings of milk to families in need. The campaign collaborates with nine partner food banks that collectively distribute more than 237 million pounds of food annually through over 2,750 agencies and feeding programs.
As part of the campaign's tenth-anniversary kickoff, Batch emphasized the crucial impact of fresh milk, underscoring the mission of Fill a Glass with Hope. 'Providing fresh milk to food pantries is critical,' he said. The message resonated with all attendees, who were encouraged to support the campaign by visiting milkshake booths set up throughout the Farm Show or by donating online.
The ongoing need for food assistance in Pennsylvania highlights a serious public health concern, with one in six children and one in eight adults facing hunger. Milk remains one of the most requested items at food banks and pantries across the state, reinforcing the necessity of programs like Fill a Glass with Hope. Together, partners like the American Dairy Association North East and the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association continue to advocate tirelessly for an end to hunger in Pennsylvania.
With states and communities facing rising challenges related to food security, gatherings like the PA Farm Show provide invaluable opportunities to unite for a common cause. The message is clear: everyone, from farmers to officials and community members, plays a role in ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food—a commitment that will continue into the next decade and beyond. To learn more about the campaign and make a donation, attendees can explore the PA Dairymen's Association milkshake booths at the Farm Show or visit online platforms such as feedingpa.org/milk.
As this notable campaign moves forward, its commitment to delivering essential fluids reflects broader efforts to nurture and empower vulnerable populations across Pennsylvania, fostering a culture of support and care.