The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

In celebration of the holidays, today the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) introduced a collaboration with cheese shop Lady & Larder and cheese expert Jessica Lawrenz to present the California Cheese Wreath Kit, a collection of Real California cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and other items used to create an edible arrangement for seasonal gatherings and gift giving. In the spirit of giving, for each kit orders a donation of $20* will be made to Feeding America in support of families in need.

The California Cheese Wreath kit features three cow’s milk specialty cheeses made with Real California Milk from the state’s farm families, California almonds, dried citrus wheels, raisins, cherries, crackers, and dried herbs along with a round bamboo cheese board as well as instructions for assembling a festive cheese wreath. The wreath sells for $175 and is available for pickup at Lady & Larder in Santa Monica or online (https://ladyandlarder.com/products/real-california-cheese-wreath-2022) for shipping to most states.

“We love cheese boards, but cheese wreaths take the celebration to the next level. It’s a centerpiece, a family project, and an edible arrangement all in one. And we’re excited to partner with Lady & Larder to create a kit that makes it easy to prepare and allows us to give back,” said Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications for the CMAB.

The initiative is part of the #CADAIRY4GOOD initiative to support families in need. Launched on June 1, 2022, with the announcement of a pilot program to provide one-pound cheese shreds to food banks throughout the state, the #CADAIRY4GOOD initiative focuses on increasing access to nutritious dairy foods made with Real California Milk for California individuals and families in need and to identify sustainable partnerships to expand the reach and resources available to feeding programs throughout the state.

California is the number one dairy state. Its 1,100 family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a greener, more sustainable future. California products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with 100 percent milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

* $20 will be donated to Feeding America for each California Cheese Wreath Kit purchased with a guaranteed donation of $10,000 to Feeding America. Only California Cheese Wreath Kit purchases at Lady & Larder between the December 1, 2022 and January 30, 2023 qualify.