Recently, Midwest Dairy partnered with the Kansas State University (K-State) Bakery Science, Dairy Science Clubs, and Call Hall Dairy Bar to remind students that dairy is “Too Good to Forget.” Over two afternoons, whole and 2 percent Call Hall Dairy Bar milk was served, and lactose-free milk was served by request. The Bakery Science Club baked 800 chocolate chip cookies to complete the nostalgic dairy pairing. Student members of the clubs staffed the tables, encouraging peers to stop, enjoy an afternoon snack, and shared how students could give back to Wildcats facing food insecurity.
To encourage community outreach, the clubs promoted monetary donations to K-State’s food pantry, Cats’ Cupboard. Midwest Dairy created a limited quantity, color-changing cup to encourage donations for the occasion. For each minimum $1 donation to Cats’ Cupboard, students could upgrade their dunk to help others. The final amount is still to be confirmed; however, Cats’ Cupboard is expected to receive more than $100 in donations to purchase dairy products this holiday season. In 2023, Cats’ Cupboard expanded from 800 to 8,000 square feet to a newly renovated building with increased storage capacity, including walk-in and reach-in coolers and freezers. According to Cats’ Cupboard, milk, cheese, and yogurt are frequently requested items by pantry visitors.