It Just Comes Natural: Dairy Farmers Give Back with Local Blood Drives

May 20, 2020
green background with an illustrated glass of milk and the words "Passion for Pints"

Giving back and caring for others is natural for dairy farmers, since their job is to care for their cows and the land to produce nutritious dairy foods for the world. Dairy farmers are just as committed to giving back through their work, as they are to giving back to the communities they call home.

Dairy MAX’s Passion for Pints blood drive is one way dairy farmers are supporting and giving back to their communities. Since summer is a time of year when blood centers need donations the most, Dairy MAX started Passion for Pints in 2013 by partnering with blood centers throughout National Dairy Month in June to help increase local blood donations.

Blood donation is now more important than ever, with blood shortages as a result of COVID-19. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams has urged the importance of blood donations to prevent potential blood shortages in the future. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), donating blood is still a safe and easy way to protect your community.

The month-long Passion for Pints drive takes place at designated blood centers located in dairy farmers’ communities across the region. Dairy farmers can give back to their communities through donating, assisting with blood drive activities and thanking donors.

“As dairy farmers we are proud of our local communities, which is why we support blood drives during National Dairy Month,” said Jasper DeVos, dairy farmer from the Dairy MAX region. “It has been a challenging year for all of us, but we’re all in this together.”

With Dairy MAX coordinating Passion for Pints blood drives, dairy farmers are given the opportunity to connect with their communities to share their dairy story and promote the consumption of dairy with blood donors. In this setting, dairy farmers can share how they are feeding the world, while caring for their animals and the planet.

At the 2020 drives, donors will receive a t-shirt, stress cow and a book of dairy recipes to try at home along with nutritious dairy foods to refuel with that will vary by center.

Every pint of blood donated can save up to three lives. Passion for Pints has impacted over 191,457 lives since 2013 by hosting nearly 1,660 drives. Year after year, Passion for Pints makes an even greater impact as more and more dairy farmers learn about the program.

“It is natural for dairy farmers to continue to give back through efforts like Passion for Pints,” said John Cass, Dairy MAX industry image and relations director. “Dairy farmers are dedicated to their communities in which they live, Dairy MAX is pleased to partner with farmers and blood centers.”

Dairy MAX is sponsoring Passion for Pints blood drives in Colorado, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Texas starting June 1, 2020. To find one closest to you, visit: