Our Partners
Partnerships are critical to the success of Must Be The Milk (MBTM), and to sustaining dairy agriculture in New England and New York. We team up with organizations throughout the region–community leaders, educational institutions, government agencies, health care organizations, manufacturers, processors, cultural institutions businesses, and retailers – to design, execute and sponsor special events, product promotions, and educational programs. Our partners recognize how New England and New York thrive on dairy, and believe that by working together, shared goals can be met. We couldn’t agree more!
Featured partners and activities:
University of Vermont (UVM)
Former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture Roger Albee initiated a dynamic partnership with The University of Vermont that has been in place since 2009. See more.
Over the years, MBTM programs have been incorporated in to UVM’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture, supporting innovative research and practices, along with policy strategies to advance sustainable food and farming systems. Sodexo, UVM’s food service provider, features MBTM at student events through information booths and dairy-inspired product incentives and give-aways, such as with Ben & Jerry’s. Sodexo also contributes ten cents for every single-serve Hood milk sold at the University to the program through the Vermont Community Foundation., the fiscal Additionally, The Davis Center, UVM’s Gold LEED certified student center, showcases Vermont dairy farmers in their Sustainability Gallery. Dairy farmer photos and profiles of farmers’ sustainability efforts educate students and faculty about green agriculture initiatives.
The Big E
The Big E, New England’s “Great State Fair” attracts over one million attendees to West Springfield, MA. Visitors learn about regional agriculture and can experience hands-on living history,music and performances, great food, demonstrations and exhibits, exciting rides and games. See more.
The New England Dairy Promotion Board began their partnership with the Big E over a decade ago with the “Singing Refrigerator” that educates fairgoers about the health benefits of dairy. Since then, The Big E has supported New England Dairy farmers by featuring educational displays and videos about the region’s dairy industry and highlighting New England cheesemakers. In 2012 our Must be the Milk campaign will be unveiled at our booth in the Mallory Building.Hide this content.
Co-op Food stores of Hanover, NH
Co-op Food stores in New Hampshire and Vermont have been a strong promoter of local dairy. Hanover’s were the first stores to donate a portion of their fluid milk sales to the dairy farmers of New England.See more.
Since then, Co-op Food stores have helped raise awareness of the Keep Local Farms program with their Ski Sweepstakes. Cabot cheese and Co-op brand milk also participate in the sweepstake, which has resulted in an increase of sales for both brands. As KLF rolls out our new “Must be the Milk” campaign, Co-op Food stores will be the first to display the “Must be the Milk” logo on the Co-op brand milk package.Hide this content.
Hannaford
Through in-store promotion, Hannaford has raised the awareness about the dairy farms and farmers of the region.
Healthy Living
Displays Banners over their Dairy case, showcasing the Vermont Dairy industry, and reminding their customers that their dairy is local and fresh.
Ski Vermont
Proceeds from their Fifth Grade passport program support the dairy industry in the Northeast.
University of Vermont, Saint Michael’s College and Champlain College
Part of the great partnership that have with Sodexo. The Sodexo team is on the ground on campus to promote local dairy and dairy products.
Stonyfield
A “yogurt on a mission” that not only encourages consumers to keep our planet healthy, but also pledges to promote the viability of family farms.
Harvard’s Food Literacy Project
Educates students with materials in the dining halls, meet and greet sessions with regional dairy leaders, and farm tours for the students.
Ben & Jerry’s
Supports programs such as “Caring Dairy” on the farm and “The Shake Benefit” initiative in scoop shops is part of their social mission, as well as the 500- plus family farmers of St. Albans Cooperative Creamery in Vermont for over twenty years.
Boston University
Promotes our program through on campus events, online newsletters and social media, and student farm visits.
HP Hood, Garelick, Guida’s Dairy and Oakhurst
Regional Milk and Dairy Processors who have provided account support and insight that keeps our program an ongoing success.
Boston Medical Center
Educates visitors and staff about the fresh, healthy dairy products that are produced by your neighbors right down the road.