DFA Cares Foundation helps communities one drop of dairy at a time

DFA Cares Foundation helps communities one drop of dairy at a time

We give back to our communities down the road and around the world in many ways.

A helping hand for those in need

Through the DFA Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ran by a farmer-leader board of directors, we give back to the communities we touch — starting with the local towns where we live and work and extending to communities around the globe that are nourished by the goodness of wholesome dairy.

Through donations and volunteer time, we provide disaster relief and basic food needs to communities in need of support. And when our farmer-owners and employees face hardships of their own, we're here to help them, too.

Our DFA Cares impact

* Data from 2024

Product and monetary donations to feeding organizations throughout the country
$66000+

Product and monetary donations to feeding organizations throughout the country

Scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduate students and graduate students
64

Scholarships to high school seniors, undergraduate students and graduate students

To assist with disaster relief
$65000+

To assist with disaster relief

The Giving Cow® Foundation

The Giving Cow® Foundation

An extension of DFA Cares, The Giving Cow® Foundation alleviates hunger in local communities by distributing The Giving Cow shelf-stable milk through backpack programs and local food shelves. Since 2020, 1 million units have been donated each year — that's more than 5 million units total! Our employees nominate non-profit organizations or causes that offer hope to children in need, and we have given more than $400,000 to over 60 local community organizations.

Providing relief from natural disasters and more

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires can disrupt lives in an instant, and through DFA Cares, we provide crucial financial support to our farmer-owners affected by them. Working alongside our farmer-owned DFA brands — as well as partners like American Red Cross and Convoy of Hope — helps extend our reach and impact even further to communities nationwide and around the world. Our employees also have access to a fund supported through employee donations to help them when facing a medical emergency or other devastating event.

  • Through our DFA Cares Foundation, DFA sponsors milk drive-thrus, where volunteers deliver fresh dairy directly to families in need — one gallon at a time.
    Through our DFA Cares Foundation, DFA sponsors milk drive-thrus, where volunteers deliver fresh dairy directly to families in need — one gallon at a time.
  • DFA partners with Convoy of Hope to donate milk powder for global hunger relief efforts.
    DFA partners with Convoy of Hope to donate milk powder for global hunger relief efforts.
  • Our DFA Cares Foundation distributes milk to those in need all year, but also during times of crisis, such as natural disasters.
    Our DFA Cares Foundation distributes milk to those in need all year, but also during times of crisis, such as natural disasters.
  • DFA employees give back in many ways, often volunteering their time to help others.
    DFA employees give back in many ways, often volunteering their time to help others.
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Feeding America through dairy

Feeding America through dairy

In the United States alone, nearly 14% of households face food insecurity (Source: USDA). We believe in the power of dairy as a sustainable source of nutrition, so we work with partners like Feeding America to deliver nutrient-rich dairy products and funding to communities in need. Together since 2020, we've donated more than $1 million to food banks and feeding organizations to nourish and enrich families facing these challenges.

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    “Within three days, we sent off 13 loads of heifers to make room on the farm for our milk cows that had lost their home to the storm. The community and industry support were amazing. We got so much help and were able to act so quickly thanks to DFA and our fellow farmer-owners.”

    Philip Watts, DFA farmer-owner, Lee, Fla.
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    Throughout the years, DFA has showed up for our community in numerous ways, including with a lifetime giving that has provided half a million meals for people experiencing food insecurity. They have also rolled up their sleeves to volunteer in our warehouse and packed thousands of sack lunches to use during emergencies and disaster response. We're so glad to have their support at our annual fundraiser, but even more proud to call them a lifelong supporter and hunger-fighting partner.

    Harvesters Community Food Network
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    I greatly appreciate being awarded this scholarship, as it helps me toward my goal of becoming a rural large animal veterinarian. With my profession, I will be able to give back and help those who dedicate their lives to feeding our world.

    Jellie Waterlander, DFA Cares scholarship recipient
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    It is important for DFA to invest in me and my peers in order to empower future innovators, drive impactful change, and build a lasting legacy in the dairy industry.

    Keegan Medeiros, DFA Cares scholarship recipient
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Scholarships to support the next generation

Scholarships to support the next generation

We care deeply about our youth. That's why DFA Cares aims to empower our next generation of farmers, leaders, and innovators through scholarship offerings each year. If you’re a student, find out how you can launch an exciting opportunity and make your mark with us.

Find scholarships

Our partnering organizations

With the help of our partners, we're able to reach communities near and far.

Feeding America, Feed Our Vets, Convoy of Hope, and American Red Cross are partners of DFA Cares Foundation.

The work we do isn't possible without the support of donations. Whether public, private, or corporate, your donation fuels our purpose of nourishing and caring for communities around the globe.

Give to DFA Cares

The work we do isn't possible without the support of donations. Whether public, private, or corporate, your donation fuels our purpose of nourishing and caring for communities around the globe.

Give today