The Okeechobee Udder Bunch 4-H club stepped up in a big way this month, donating roughly 25 gallons of milk to a local food pantry to help meet increased community needs during the government shutdown. The donation came earlier than their usual annual contribution, as food banks across the region reported rising demand and falling supplies.

Milk is consistently one of the most requested items at food banks, yet it is also one of the least donated. Its short shelf life is challenging for food pantries to keep in stock. By providing milk in both one-gallon and half-gallon containers, the Udder Bunch 4-H members ensured that families of all sizes could benefit.

For the club’s youth, the donation also carried personal meaning. As participants in the dairy project, members spend the year learning about animal care, milk production, and the responsibilities of raising dairy animals. Donating milk connects their hands-on work directly to the real-world impact dairy products have in the community.

Food pantry volunteers were grateful for the donation, noting that fresh milk is a rare and welcome addition to their offerings. For many families, it is an essential staple, particularly for households with children. Milk provides 13 essential nutrients that benefit consumers of all ages.

The Udder Bunch 4-H club plans to continue supporting the community throughout the year, but members say they were proud to make this early donation when the need was greatest. Through their generosity, they demonstrated not only what 4-H youth learn, but the heart and service that define the organization’s mission.

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