UTICA, N.Y. ---The American Dairy Association Northeast partnered with Oneida County on Tuesday to hold a food and milk drive-thru giveaway at Utica College.

The giveaway started at 10 am on Tuesday.

Hundreds flooded the parking lots along Burrstone road. Volunteers tell NEWSChannel 2 that volume going into campus was so high, Utica Police officers told people to come back later.

Volunteers braved the heat to serve as many as they could.

"The dairy farmers are giving milk to our citizens here in Oneida County and also Renzi donated food boxes and we're also giving away packages of masks as well," said Kevin Green, Oneida County Youth Bureau Director.

4,000 gallons of milk and 700 food boxes were available for volunteers to distribute. The milk and food were purchased through grants that were made available through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Terri Dinitto, whose family owns a local dairy farm said she's delighted to see the products go to good use.

"I love that people are coming out to get the product. Also, I'm a little sad that we are in a situation where people need the product. Our country has the most affordable food sources in the world and its still hard for people to get food. So while I'm happy that people were able to do this for the community, I'm kind of sad about that too," said Dinitto.

Some of the hundreds of people waiting in line got there almost 3 hours early.

"I've been here since 7:30. It's incredible, this is the first time I've been here and it's scary. I'm not used to that, but I remember when I was young when I had to stand in line for the food. But you know what this is a blessing," said Marge Petteys.

The American Dairy Association hopes to distribute 200,000 gallons of milk in the month of June. (National Dairy Month)