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As the world continues to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic, those impacted by job loss and early school closures need the help of their local communities during these uncertain times.

To help bridge the hunger gap and nourish those who need it the most, Cumberland Community Cares in Farmville is partnering with area dairy farmers and The Dairy Alliance to provide milk to local families served by Delma’s Pantry.

After seeing a need for additional milk in the community, Farmville dairy farmer Joe Hazelgrove Jr. began conversations between the food pantry and The Dairy Alliance to implement a milk program that will provide more families with milk now and in the future. The Dairy Alliance provided grant funding that was used to purchase a customized Undeniably Dairy refrigerated cooler unit and a one-time purchase of fresh half-gallons and gallons of real milk.

“Cumberland County is identified as a food desert and dairy products are difficult to buy locally. Cumberland Community Cares greatly appreciates Hazelgrove Farms nominating us and The Dairy Alliance awarding the milk cooler for our food bank. We look forward to a continued partnership with The Dairy Alliance nutritional education materials,” Doris Seal, president of Cumberland Community Cares, said.

Delma’s Pantry currently serves more than 1,000 families each month. Using the funds provided by The Dairy Alliance, the food pantry has space for an additional 90 gallons of milk with their new double-door