Bellwether Farms launches Project Spilled Milk

The project aims to support Northern California dairy farmers and food banks.

Bellwether Farms, a family-owned producer of yogurt and cheese based in Petaluma, Calif., said it launched Project Spilled Milk, an indiegogo campaign with the goal of raising $50,000. The funds will be used to buy milk from current producers to produce yogurt that will be donated to Northern California food banks.

“Restaurants, schools and universities represent a large percent of dairy purchases across the United States,” said Liam Callahan, Bellwether Farms co-founder and CEO. “Since their doors have been closed due to the global pandemic, the dairy industry finds itself with excess milk and no one to buy it. Project Spilled Milk aims to make the best out of a bad situation — that our farmers are supported and that food isn’t wasted, but instead donated to the many who need it.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on artisan dairy production; our foodservice customers have not ordered since the end of March,” Callahan continued. “Simultaneously, the unemployment rate is increasing, and food banks are struggling to meet the rising demand. Through this initiative, we’ll be able to keep our employees busy, provide assistance to our network of family dairies, save milk from being dumped down the drain and support our community.”

Bellwether Farms said it has long-time relationships with its farmers and sees the need to help them now more than ever. To stop buying their milk is not an option. Project Spilled Milk will keep the farmers milking their animals while Bellwether Farms will be able to do its part to get through these challenging times with the donations to hunger-relief organizations.

For every $2 raised, Bellwether Farms will be able to produce food for a family in need. To thank donors for supporting Project Spilled Milk, Bellwether Farms said it is offering social media shout-outs, handwritten thank you letters and company t-shirts. For those who are not in a position to contribute financially to this project, Bellwether Farms asks that they help spread the word by sharing the campaign through social media networks and using the hashtag #ProjectSpilledMilk.