Arla launches a nationwide initiative in the UK to provide food banks with fresh dairy products by supplying fridges. This effort addresses the lack of refrigeration that prevents charities from accepting dairy donations, aiming to enhance access to nutritious food for those in need. The initiative starts with the rollout of 100 fridges to FareShare charities and includes the world’s first free milk vending machine in North London.
Arla, a leading dairy cooperative committed to sustainability and community support, has announced a nationwide initiative aimed at supplying fresh dairy products to food charities across Britain. This initiative comes in response to new research indicating that approximately 450,000 people relying on charity provisions do not have access to fresh dairy items due to a lack of storage facilities.
According to FareShare, the UK’s largest food redistribution charity and a long-standing partner of Arla, fresh dairy products are among the most requested items by users of the 8,000 charities it supplies. However, a recent survey found that 96% of charities could not meet the high demand for dairy products, primarily because of inadequate fridge space for perishable goods.
To address this issue, Arla is providing fully stocked and sponsored fridges to charities across the country, starting with the rollout of 100 fridges to FareShare charities. “We are on a mission to enhance the accessibility of nutritious dairy products for communities across the UK,” said Jonathan Dixon, Senior Vice President at Arla.
In conjunction with this initiative, Arla launched the world’s first free milk vending machine in North London, allowing users to obtain fresh milk at the push of a button.
Research commissioned by Arla also revealed that half of all adults cannot imagine living without daily access to dairy, with 76% consuming it a few times a week. However, 62% of respondents were unaware that not all food banks have the necessary refrigeration to store fresh dairy products, while 53% believe that everyone should have access to these items.
Ben Ashmore, Head of External Affairs at FareShare, commented, “Thanks to Arla’s generous commitment to donating fridges to charities across the UK, many of these organisations can now offer a more varied range of nutritious food. This donation helps strengthen the capacity of our charity network, enabling them to support their communities better.”
The research further indicated that a quarter of those surveyed do not prioritize dairy in their diets, despite 89% acknowledging its importance in their daily food intake. Many respondents cited a lack of awareness about the benefits of regular dairy consumption as a barrier to increasing their intake.
UK specialist registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine emphasized the initiative’s significance, stating, “Having access to fresh milk can also encourage healthier eating habits, such as making time for breakfast.”
Arla’s initiative not only aims to reduce food waste but also seeks to create healthier, more resilient communities by ensuring access to nutritious dairy products for those in need.
