Tops Friendly Markets is partnering with Garelick Farms to bring the Giving Cow program to families in New York.
Throughout September, for every gallon of Garelick milk purchased at participating Tops locations, a carton of Giving Cow milk will be donated to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
The donations come in brightly decorated, single-serve cartons featuring playful cow characters. The single-serve, 8-ounce packs of ultra-high temperature (UHT) pasteurized milk have a shelf-life of up to 12 months, whereas fresh milk has a shelf life of about 20 days from processing. This longer shelf life is ideal for food pantries.
Ten Tops locations across the Hudson Valley, North Country and Southern Tier are participating, including:
- Ellenville – 100 Tops Markets Blvd.;
- New Paltz – 271 Main St.;
- Corinth – 100 Main St.;
- Bolton Landing – 4976 Lakeshore Drive;
- Chestertown – 6308 U.S. 9;
- Schroon Lake – 1103 Route 9;
- Greenville – 11573 State Route 32;
- Stamford – 127 Main St.;
- Coxsackie – 44 Hope Plaza; and
- Hancock – 16 W. Main St.
“At Tops, our mission is to address the fundamental needs of the community, while helping to eradicate hunger,” said Tops Friendly Markets President Ron Ferri.
“This partnership gives our Hudson Valley, North Country and Southern Tier customers the chance to make a huge impact in their communities by simply buying milk. Together, we’re expanding access to nutritious food through this unique partnership with both Garelick and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.”
Milk is one of the most requested items at food banks but, because of its short shelf life, also one of the least donated. The Giving Cow program, developed by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and supported by 17 of its regional dairy brands including Garelick Farms, helps close that gap with a kid-friendly solution.
“Milk plays a vital role in a healthy diet, especially for growing children, but it’s often missing from food bank shelves,” said Brooke Ryan, general manager at Garelick Farms. “We’re committed to helping close that gap. Through initiatives like our Giving Cow program, we’re ensuring families have access to the nourishment they need – one gallon at a time.”
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, New York, Tops Markets operates a network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location. As one of Western New York’s largest employers, and with more than 14,000 associates across its entire footprint, Tops highlights sustainably sourced, premium-quality products.
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