The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit organization promoting dairy benefits, has addressed a critical need for families facing food insecurity in Cocke County, Tennessee. With funding from the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee, the organization donated a dedicated dairy cooler—fully stocked with Mayfield milk—to The Breadbasket, a local nonprofit food pantry. This initiative was made possible through the efforts of local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd, who recognized the community need and partnered with The Dairy Alliance to secure the cooler.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 16th at The Breadbasket to celebrate the new cooler, which enhances the pantry's ability to serve hundreds of families monthly. The dedicated cooler allows The Breadbasket to safely store dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other nutritious staples for families who need them most. Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance, stated, "We are honored to support The Breadbasket by providing equipment that allows them to safely store dairy products and continue their vital mission of fighting hunger." She added, "We are grateful to the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee for making this donation possible, and to local dairy farmer Deborah Boyd, for advocating for this 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. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com.
The Breadbasket is an important resource for Cocke County, providing families with food bags containing approximately 15 meals monthly, including rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, soups, meats, bread, and more. Additionally, the pantry offers a "Pick 2" program with hygiene products, medical supplies, diapers, coats, and other essentials at its facility on 625 Honey Bee Lane in Newport. Jamee Morrow, Director of The Breadbasket, explained, "Families consistently ask for milk and other dairy products, but without proper cold storage, we couldn't safely provide them. Thanks to a local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd, who identified the need and collaborated with The Dairy Alliance, we were able to secure a dedicated dairy cooler, an essential upgrade that fills a critical gap in our services."
Throughout the year, The Breadbasket relies on donations and community partnerships to continue its mission, supporting over 2,000 individuals with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. This donation highlights how targeted corporate-nonprofit partnerships can address specific logistical challenges in food security, ensuring vulnerable populations receive essential nutrients. For business and technology leaders, this case demonstrates the impact of aligning organizational resources with community-identified needs, leveraging local advocacy to create sustainable solutions that enhance public health and social welfare.
