FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2026
CONTACT: Greg Szklany
Phone: (315) 729-1722
Email: GSzklany@milk4u.org
Miles For Milk: From Dairy Farm to Finish Line — Local Farmer to Run NYC Marathon to Raise $26,200 to Help Put Fresh Milk on Tables
FREEVILLE, N.Y. – August 26, 2026 – Tyler Beck spends his days caring for cows and producing milk on his family’s dairy farm. This fall, he’ll trade his barn boots for running shoes with a goal that goes far beyond the finish line: run all 26.2 miles of the New York City Marathon and raise $26,200 to help put fresh milk on the tables of New York families facing food insecurity.
Through his “Miles For Milk” campaign, Beck hopes to raise $1,000 for every mile he completes on race day, supporting American Dairy Association North East’s Fill A Glass with Hope® charitable program in partnership with Feeding New York State. Donations will help food banks across New York purchase fresh milk for families who might otherwise go without.
As a millennial dad, avid runner and dairy farmer who runs Beck Farms in Freeville, N.Y., Beck knows the care that goes into producing milk – and the important role nutritious dairy foods can play in helping children and families thrive.
“I see firsthand how much care goes into every gallon of milk—from caring for the land to caring for our cows. Knowing that something we produce every day could be out of reach for a family right here in our community—that really sticks with me,” said Beck. “Running the marathon is something I can do personally to help make sure more families have access to fresh, nutritious milk. I’m hoping people will join me on this journey and help turn every mile into meaningful impact.”
“Miles For Milk” invites businesses, community groups, families and individuals to support Beck’s journey and help him reach his $26,200 goal. Donations of any amount are welcome, and larger contributions from businesses and organizations can help accelerate the campaign’s success.
“Milk is one of the most requested foods by families visiting food banks, yet it is also one of the most difficult items for food banks to consistently provide,” said Elizabeth Cooper, Executive Director, Feeding New York State. “Every dollar raised through this campaign will help Feeding New York State and our network of food banks purchase fresh milk for families across New York. This means more children can access the protein, calcium and vitamin D they need to grow, learn and thrive. When we put fresh, nutritious food on the table, we are doing more than addressing hunger—we are helping build healthier communities.”
“This is a powerful example of how dairy farmers go beyond the farm to support the communities they serve,” said Audrey Donahoe, President of American Dairy Association North East. “Tyler is turning something he loves—running—into an opportunity to help families in need. Every mile he runs and every dollar raised will help put nutritious milk on the tables of New York families.”
As a special thank you, the first five companies or individuals to donate $1,000 or more by September 25, 2026, will have the opportunity to feature their company logo or name on Tyler’s marathon shirt.
Donate and join the Miles For Milk journey: https://feedingnys.org/miles-for-milk/
About Fill A Glass with Hope®
Fill a Glass with Hope® is a joint effort between American Dairy Association North East, dairy farmers, agriculture partners, and business leaders working together to provide fresh milk to families in need through a network of local food banks.
About American Dairy Association North East
American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) is the dairy farmer-funded organization funded by participating dairy farmer’s checkoff investment to build demand and sales for milk and dairy foods throughout the local region. Representing more than 7,600 dairy farm families in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia, ADA North East develops and implements local programs to drive milk and dairy sales at retail outlets and in schools. The organization also conducts consumer education about dairy through events, traditional and social media, and in collaboration with health professionals through National Dairy Council. ADA North East works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™, the national dairy checkoff organization, to support nutrition research, national partnerships and developing export markets for dairy to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the region. For more information, visit www.AmericanDairy.com.
About Feeding New York State
Feeding New York State is the association of New York’s ten Feeding America food banks. Through advocacy, collaboration, and partnership, the organization works to advance policies and programs that help create a hunger-free New York. Together, New York’s food banks provide food and support to communities in every region of the state through a network of thousands of community partners.
