NEWPORT, TN, January 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Dairy Alliance, a leading nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the benefits of milk, recently addressed a critical need for families in Cocke County facing food insecurity. With funding from the Tennessee Dairy Promotion Committee (TDPC), the organization donated a dedicated dairy cooler—fully stocked with Mayfield milk—to The Breadbasket, a local nonprofit food pantry.

The donation was made possible through the efforts of local dairy farmer and community advocate Deborah Boyd, who recognized the need within the community and partnered with The Dairy Alliance to help secure a dedicated dairy cooler, a critical addition that strengthens the pantry's ability to serve families.

On January 16th, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at The Breadbasket to celebrate the new cooler, which enhances the pantry's ability to serve hundreds of families each month with nourishing food and essential household items.

The dedicated cooler will allow The Breadbasket to safely store dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and other nutritious staples for families who need them most.

"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," said Farrah Newberry, Chief Executive Officer at The Dairy Alliance. "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."

Helping Families in Need

The Breadbasket is an important resource for Cocke County. Each month, families can visit the pantry to receive a food bag containing approximately 15 meals, including rice, beans, canned fruits and vegetables, noodles, soups, meats, bread, and more. In addition, the pantry offers a "Pick 2" program featuring hygiene products, medical supplies, diapers, coats, and other essentials at the facility located at 625 Honey Bee Lane in Newport.

"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," said Jamee Morrow, Director of The Breadbasket.

Throughout the year, The Breadbasket relies on donations and community partnerships to continue its mission. Beyond the monthly services, the pantry also supports more than 2,000 individuals with Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Those interested in helping can email [email protected] for more information.

To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow @TheDairyAlliance on Facebook or Instagram.

About The Dairy Alliance
The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

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