Oriskany, NY –Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon visited the Oriskany Central School District, where she joined staff and students for a showcase of the successful implementation of her sponsored Oneida County School Milk Pilot Program, as well as to commemorate the Oriskany boys varsity high school baseball team’s 2025 Class D High School State Championship victory with the presentation of a New York State Assembly celebratory Resolution.

Initially introduced in response to a 2023 statewide shortage of half-pint milk cartons as well as the innovative thinking of local farmer Teri DiNitto, Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s milk pilot program, secured in the New York State Budget for State Fiscal Year 2024-25, is designed to provide schools further flexibility in how they serve milk to students and to provide a sustainable alternative to relying solely on the traditional half-pint cardboard cartons. During the visit, Assemblywoman Buttenschon toured the school's cafeteria, spoke with staff, and heard directly from students about how the program has improved their access to milk during lunch. Since its launch, student feedback has been encouraging, fielding many positive responses from students. Assemblywoman Buttenschon hopes the program's success will help expand farm to school participation across the region, ultimately bringing greater support to local dairy farmers like those who helped inspire it.

“Inspired by local experts, seeing this program take hold in another school district is encouraging,” Buttenschon said. “Every time I visit a school and see students choosing milk because it is accessible, easy, and delicious, I am reminded of why this program matters. This is about giving our children a healthy option every single day, and I am proud to see that vision becoming a reality here.”

In addition to witnessing the milk pilot program in action, Assemblywoman Buttenschon had the privilege to recognize an extraordinary athletic achievement by the Oriskany school community. During the visit, the Assemblywoman presented the Oriskany boys high school varsity baseball team with a New York State Assembly Resolution commemorating their 2025 Class D High School State Championship victory. The Resolution, a formal recognition from the New York State Assembly, celebrated the team's dedication, hard work, and the pride they brought to their school and community throughout their championship season.

“I am incredibly proud of these young men and their outstanding achievement of the New York State Class D Championship, the first in the program's history and a true reflection of the hard work, relentless dedication, and resilience shown by each team member throughout the season. To win 18 consecutive games and finish on top of the state is no small feat, and it speaks to the character of this team, the community behind them, and the leadership of Coach Enos. It was an honor to officially commemorate the players, Coach Eric Enos, and the entire Oriskany community’s victory today.”