Dairy has always been a proud part of Wisconsin’s identity. From milk and cheese to butter and yogurt, these staples bring comfort and nourishment to families every day. But for many of our neighbors facing hunger, dairy products are often out of reach.

That’s why Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, in partnership with the Alliant Energy Foundation, launched Dairyland Delivery, a program designed to get fresh, locally produced dairy into the hands of families who need it most.

Starting as a pilot program in the fall of 2023, Dairyland Delivery served over 600 families in Greater Milwaukee in just one month. Now, thanks to the generous support of the Alliant Energy Foundation, Dairyland Delivery has expanded into several rural counties in Eastern Wisconsin including Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Wood.

Why Dairy Matters

Unlike canned goods or shelf-stable items, dairy products are expensive, perishable, and require refrigeration. Many food pantries simply don’t have the budget or infrastructure to keep dairy consistently in stock. At the same time, inflation has made grocery shopping harder than ever, with milk alone rising by as much as 75 cents a gallon since 2020.

For families already making impossible choices between groceries, rent, and medical bills, dairy products can feel like luxuries. But dairy is more than just nutrition. It represents normalcy, dignity, and the ability to cook familiar meals together at home.

One of the unique strengths of Dairyland Delivery is its connection to local producers. Wisconsin dairies such as Pine River Dairy, Kemps, and Klondike Cheese Company are providing high-quality products that go straight from our state’s farms to the tables of families in need. Every delivery includes a mix of Wisconsin-produced staples like milk, butter, yogurt, and sometimes eggs or cottage cheese. These foods help families stretch their grocery budgets, prepare healthy meals, and enjoy the comfort of foods they might otherwise go without.

Looking Ahead

Dairyland Delivery is still growing. Our vision is to expand the program to reach even more rural communities across Eastern Wisconsin, incorporate surplus dairy donations, and explore shelf-stable options that can extend access even further.

Most importantly, Dairyland Delivery is helping close a critical nutrition gap. By ensuring families have access to foods rich in protein and calcium, we’re not only addressing hunger today but also supporting the long-term health and well-being of our communities.