Milk is one of the most requested items at food pantries — and one of the hardest to donate. One local initiative is shining a spotlight on this vital need.
Now in its 11th year, the Adopt a Dairy Cow campaign supports Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin in purchasing and distributing ~40,000 half-gallons of milk each month to more than 300 partner pantries across 16 counties. (Yes, you read that right.)
So, how does it work?
With a donation of just $25, Madisonians (and greater Wisconsinites) can symbolically adopt a dairy cow from Sassy Cow Creamery, helping provide up to 30 half-gallons of milk to families facing nutrition insecurity.
Your Adopt a Dairy Cow gift helps provide fresh, nutritious milk for neighbors in need.
Photo provided by Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin
Glinda: Loves lounging in the sun and soaking up the warm weather (we can relate).
Bucky: A proud Badger fangirl and always first to the tailgate.
Regina: Stylish, sassy, and always up-to-date on herd gossip.
S’mores: She’s a grazer like the rest of us.
Psst... That’s not all. Each “adoption” includes a printable certificate — bring it to Sassy Cow Creamery in Columbus, WI on Saturday, June 28 for a free scoop during Day at the Creamery, packed with food, fun, and games for the whole family.
And thanks to generous sponsors, including the Werndli Charitable Fund, Alliant Energy Foundation, Clack, and others, the first $100,000 in donations will be matched, doubling the impact and the number of families reached.
Want to support without adopting? Donations of any size help provide fresh, nutrient-rich milk to our neighbors in need.
Which cow would you adopt to help feed families this National Dairy Month?
A. I agree with S’mores: There’s nothing like a good graze. B. Soaking up the sun like Glinda is my thing too. C. You can find me exploring new green pastures like Flower. D. I like to lead the herd, just like Jamie. E. Other
The Madison Children’s Museum has won the Governor’s Tourism Award for Service Excellence. | Photo by 608today
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Madison Children’s Museum to hidden gems like Soccer Shots Madison, there’s something in Madison for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the under-18 crowd with this list of 24 kid-friendly activities.
Crafty kids
Madison Children’s Museum | A classic choice, the museum boasts a variety of hands-on educational exhibits. Kids will remember the Rooftop Ramble.
Splash around
Madison Log Rolling | Based on Lake Wingra, the organization offers classes, camps, and party options. Kids will remember, well, rolling on a log.
Great outdoors
Aldo Leopold Nature Center | After-school programs, field trips, birthday parties, and more can be had in Monona. Kids will remember getting a closer look at their local ecosystem.
After-hours attractions
Children’s Theater of Madison | This theater offers afternoon and evening showtimes. Kids will remember discovering their love for theater.
Joe Dombrowski | Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 8 | Times vary | Comedy on State | $36+ | Prepare to laugh with this traveling comedian who has headlined the Netflix Is A Joke Festival in New York + the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal.
Friday, June 6
Pride Show | Friday, June 6-Satuday, June 7 | Times vary | Madison Circus Space | $10+ | Celebrate the start of Pride Month at this local circus’ first ever Pride Show that features German wheel performers, aerial acrobats, and comedic clowns.
Mad With Power Fest 8 | Friday, June 6-Saturday, June 7 | Times vary | The Sylvee | $143+ | Heavy metal fans don’t want this rocking show that is full of energy.
Saturday, June 7
Wisconsin’s Free Fun Weekend | Saturday, June 7-Sunday, June 8 | 9 a.m.-8 p.m. | Enjoy free access and reduced restrictions on a long list of outdoor adventures, such as fishing without a permit or ATV riding on public trails.
Sunday, June 8
Monroe Street Farmers Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Monroe Street Farmers Market | Free | Restock on all your favorite produce items from local farmers and vendors before the start of another work week.
Brews Cruise 2025 | 1-5 p.m. | Delta Beer Lab | Free | Life is all about balance, and that’s why this casual bike ride is making pit stops at three local breweries along the way.
Monday, June 9
Rockford Rivets vs. Madison Mallards | 6:05-9:30 p.m. | Warner Park | Our Mallards are flying through the season as one of the top teams in the Great Lakes West division.
Ahan is one of the hottest bars on the east side, and it’s expanding to welcome more visitors. Ba Lao is the owner’s newest bar concept taking over the former Taco Local building this fall, serving as an elevated waiting space with a small bar and a few tables. (The Cap Times)
Festival
The lineup for the two-day Sugar Maple Music Festival at W.G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park has been set. There will be a total of 11 performers across Aug. 1-2, including Brennan Edwards and Lizzie No. (WMTV 15)
Outdoors
Summer is here, and Public Health Madison and Dane County is making sure the beaches are safe. They are conducting weekly toxicity tests on the water to ensure algae doesn’t grow to harmful levels. Stay safe and informed via their online resource. (WMTV 15)
Number
$125,000. That’s how much money the Great Wisconsin Birdathon is aiming to raise this year, and they are about $30,000 shy. This is the final push before it ends on June Sunday, 15.
Trending
Did you know the largest pep band in the world is located right here in Madison? It comprises students from various local high schools, totaling 500+ members. They performed at the Mallards game this week. (WMTV 15)
Seasonal
Summer’s more fun when you can actually hear it. Whether it’s ocean waves or outdoor movies, get back in the moment with this crowd-favorite hearing aid that packs dual processing tech for the ultimate clarity. Bonus: The 45-day trial means no risk if you’re not into it.*
Concert
Get ready for a jam-packed weekend at the Memorial Union Terrace. Fans of Sam Lyons? Automatic Lover? They’re just two of the acts hitting the stage at this iconic 40,000-sqft hub tomorrow, Friday, June 6 + Saturday, June 7. With events all summer long, there’s something happening nearly every day.*
Cause
Victory Homes of Wisconsin has built more than just a showstopper — they’ve built a home with heart. All sale proceeds of the St. Jude Dream Home Showplace will support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Explore it online, donate from wherever you are, and see when you can tour the home in person here.*
Learn
The HEALthy Brain and Child Development Study is an exciting opportunity to learn more about child brain development. If you are currently pregnant, join UW-Madison in learning how to give every child the brightest future. Families are compensated for their participation. Contact a site near you.*
Shop
Mood’s THC gummies take effect in as little as five minutes — no lighter, lingering smells, or coughing required. Get 20% off your first order with code FIRST20.†*
This best-selling bath mat. When was the last time you replaced the mats in your bathroom? If you’re anything like us, it’s been too long. Consider this your sign to upgrade. We love this one that features a soft, ultra-absorbent design and comes in multiple colors and sizes for easily mixing + matching.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I’ve joined the bird watching adventure, and I’ve been loving using the Merlin Bird Watching app. It’s a free download and it can record audio to determine what kind of birds are tweeting near you. I had a Wilson’s warbler fly by this week, which was quite the delight.
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