Killington Resort collaborates with Vermont Dairy Farms on grocery giveaway benefiting agricultural operations and local community

Killington Resort purchased 700 blocks of local cheese, 350 gallons of local milk to include in grocery packages

KILLINGTON—Killington Resort announced Friday, April 17, that it would be hosting a Community Grocery Giveaway Tuesday, April 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The giveaway is part of Killington Resort’s Play Forever commitment to protect the environment, inspire participation, and pledge to support the local community.

“When we realized farmers were having to dump their fresh milk because demand was low with schools and restaurants closed, we saw an opportunity to support them and the greater community,” said Mike Solimano, president and general manager of Killington Resort. “We feel fortunate to be able to assist and help our farmers and local community during these hard-hitting times.”

Despite the short notice, Killington community members, employees of local Killington businesses, and employees of Killington resort rushed to receive the food from  Snowshed Base Lodge Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The resort gave away 500 of the available 700 prepackaged grocery bags of food and provisions such as meats, vegetables, Thomas Dairy milk, Vermont Farmstead cheese, eggs, produce, and breads.

The line of cars stretched nearly half way down Killington Road. But all who showed up in need received a bag of the groceries. The remaining 200 bags will go to Killingtontown’s grocery giveaway next Tuesday, May 20.

“Killington has been such a huge part of our community throughout the many generations that Thomas Dairy has been the local dairy. The World Cup boost, and tourism in general, continues to fuel so many local businesses immensely,” said Abbey Thomas, fifth generation co-owner of Thomas Dairy. “Partnering with Killington on the Grocery Giveaway is a win-win, as we are supporting local farming families with a surplus of milk. At the same time, Thomas Dairy is proudly helping to get the freshest milk available into the homes of Killington residents.”

“When Vermont Farmstead Cheese heard about the Killington Grocery Giveaway, we were on board right away,” said Kent Underwood, president and COW (chief operating worker) of Vermont Farmstead. “I can’t imagine a more important time than now for our communities to come together and focus our energy on something positive to help those who need it.”

Following recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drivers  remained in their car an dcare packages were put into the trunks. This is the second free grocery giveaway provided by Killington Resort; the first one was for resort employees held over two days in mid-March.