The state of Vermont and some of its most well-known dairy brands are embarking on a "dairy drive" aimed at helping needy families and struggling dairy farmers.
More than 2,300 pounds of dairy products were donated last weekend in the first drive. Two more events are scheduled for July 11 in Burlington, Williston and Colchester and August 8 in Brattleboro.
The effort is a collaboration of the Vermont Grocers Association, the Vermont Foodbank, the state Agency of Agriculture, Cabot Creamery and Ben & Jerry’s. The groups will distribute donated goods to 66,000 Vermonters in need of food assistance through the food bank.
In the last 10 months, the food bank has seen a dramatic increase in families seeking food assistance.