A charitable running and walking event at a Wilmington farm has generated significant funding to help feed Delaware children in need. The 2026 Milk Run/Walk, hosted at Ramsey’s Farm, brought together 136 participants and raised more than $20,000 for children’s nutrition programs across the state.
The Delaware Farm Bureau (DEFB) Foundation organized the event alongside Beast Coast Productions, with proceeds supporting three key organizations: the DEFB Foundation, Food Bank of Delaware, and the Ministry of Caring.
Participants could choose from multiple race options, including 5K and 10K runs as well as a Health Walk, all taking place on picturesque routes winding through the farm property. Winners in each category received distinctive cowbell awards along with other prizes. A special highlight was the chance for runners and walkers to pose for photos with an actual dairy cow, provided by Emerson Farms.
The day wrapped up with an awards presentation, a 50/50 raffle drawing, and a silent auction featuring donations from various local businesses throughout the area.
The funds raised will directly benefit three programs focused on youth nutrition and education. The Ministry of Caring serves individuals and families in need throughout the Wilmington region, with milk being a key component of the nutritious meals provided at the Emmanuel Dining Room. Meanwhile, the Food Bank of Delaware’s Backpack Program ensures children have access to food over weekends by sending them home with backpacks filled with shelf-stable milk, juice, macaroni and cheese, granola bars, and applesauce.
The DEFB Foundation focuses on building greater awareness and appreciation for Delaware’s agricultural sector. Money from this fundraising event will support the Foundation’s educational programs and other efforts advancing this goal.
Food Bank of Delaware Special Events Manager Jessi Domingeuz expressed appreciation for the partnership. “We’re so grateful for the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation’s partnership and support of the Food Bank of Delaware’s Backpack Program,” Domingeuz said. “The Milk Run was a beautiful morning filled with energy and enthusiasm from the crowd, all coming together to support children facing food insecurity across our state. Events like this help ensure kids have nutritious meals and snacks to take home over the weekends, making a meaningful impact for Delaware families.”
The successful event relied heavily on community support from sponsors. Diamond-level sponsors included Delmarva Farmer, First State Orthopedics, Kathy Barry Agency, Hoobers Inc./Case IH, Hy-Point Dairy Farm, Land O’ Lakes, Ramsey’s Farm, Seasons Pizza, and Woodside Farm Creamery.
Gold sponsors comprised Del-One, Delaware Department of Agriculture, Delaware Electric Cooperative, Dempsey Farms LLC, Dr. James Fierro, Holtz Farm LLC, Jones Family Farm, Kenny Family Foundation, Kevin Rogers & Jackie King, Lisa Broadbent Insurance Inc., Gail Melendres Wynn, MD, New Castle County Conservation District, New Castle County Farm Bureau, Puglisi Egg Farms, SpineCare Delaware, Syngenta, and University of Delaware – CANR/UDairy.
Additional information about the Delaware Farm Bureau and Foundation can be found at www.defb.org. Those interested in learning more about the Ministry of Caring can visit https://www.ministryofcaring.org/, while details about the Food Bank of Delaware are available at https://www.fbd.org/. Complete race results can be accessed at www.runsignup.com/Race/Results/Overview/73211.
