USDA recently released its dairy product per capita consumption numbers showing an increase of seven pounds in 2019, more than a one percent increase from 2018.

In total, Americans consume 653 pounds of dairy products per capita on a milk equivalent basis, including to 38.3 pounds of cheese, 13.4 pounds of yogurt and 6.2 pounds of butter.

The need for milk and food is still great for New York families as evidenced by yesterday’s distribution in Fulton, N.Y., where 18,000 pounds of food – 315 boxes each of dairy items, produce and meat – were given out in 45 minutes. In total this week, ADA North East continues working with USDA-approved vendors, dairy processors and community organizations to get 2,415 boxes of dairy foods, each weighing 20 pounds, to other families in Syracuse, Colton, Ballston Spa, Herkimer, Madrid and Cape Vincent.

With New York consumers expressing more interest in sustainability and responsibly produced foods, ADA North East is helping dairy farmers build confidence in their commitment to stewardship. One way is with our website’s new environmental resource page that offers up-to-date conservation resources available from various government and local community organizations. If you have questions about the page or other conservation issues, please contact ADA North East Director of Environmental Outreach Ron Ohrel at rohrel@milk4u.org.

For previous issues of Checkoff Check-in, click here.