Vermont Rotary Clubs across the state have teamed up to donate fresh Vermont yogurt and butter to the Vermont Foodbank.
Ten Vermont rotary clubs joined forces to raise over $10,000 dollars, adding significant financial support to the effort already in place to recover Vermont milk.
In collaboration with Dairy Farmers of America, Commonwealth Dairy LLC and Ploughgate Creamery are turning milk from Vermont dairies into yogurt and butter.
Earlier this year, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture helped coordinate the original dairy recovery program that began with $60,000 in funding from the Vermont Community Foundation. That donation covered the cost of milk, ingredients, and processing to create 48,000 cups of Green Mountain Yogurt and 11,500 gallons of Hood Dairy 2% Milk.
Locally, the White River Jct. Rotary Club and Wallingford Rotary Club each donated $1,500 toward the effort, the Killington-Pico Rotary Club donated $500 and the Windsor Rotary donated $50.
Secretary Anson Tebbetts of the Agency of Agriculture said, “This is what Vermont is all about. Neighbors helping neighbors. Thank you Rotarians, farmers, and businesses. You and so many are helping those in need.”