Local 4-H Youth Turn Dairy Project into Support for Families

Thank you Otsego Four Leaves 4-H!

What began in 2025 as a simple desire to help others has grown into a meaningful community partnership. Members of the Otsego Four Leaves 4-H club wanted to find a way to share the milk produced through their dairy cattle projects with families in need. By working with Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, where their milk is processed, they found a creative solution to turn their efforts into food support for local families.

In 2026, the project grew even further when the club received a competitive Minnesota 4-H Food Partner Challenge Grant. The grant funded a large donation of cheese curds made from the milk produced by their dairy cattle projects. Along with the cheese, families receiving the Kids Weekend CAER Packages also received a healthy, family-friendly recipe utilizing the food items.

The club also organized a food drive focused on kid-friendly meals, snacks, and gluten-free items to help round out the packs. These donations are especially important, as about 6-9 families each week rely on CAER’s gluten-free option. For households managing celiac disease or other medically necessary dietary restrictions, gluten-free foods are essential—but often come at a much higher cost, creating an added burden for families already facing food insecurity.

We are grateful for these thoughtful young leaders who found a unique way to nourish their neighbors.