Arla has launched the first ever free milk ATM in the UK to highlight the issue of access to fresh dairy, which affects many of the country’s food charities
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Arla Milk ATM pops up in North London
North London has seen the arrival of the first ever free milk ATM, a move designed to emphasise the importance of providing daily dairy access – something many UK food charities currently struggle to do.
This marks the beginning of a nationwide initiative to increase fresh dairy availability in food charities across the country, following revelations that an estimated 450,000 people reliant on these schemes lack such access.
This move comes after a study commissioned by the dairy brand revealed that half of adults couldn’t imagine not having access to milk on a daily basis, with 76% consuming it at least a few times a week.
In fact, 35% admitted they’d struggle if they didn’t have access to milk, and 53% believe everyone should be able to easily get dairy-based foods.
Despite fresh dairy being one of the most sought-after items at food charities, as per FareShare, about one in five (19%) of the charities it aids are unable to provide it, often having to refuse donations due to insufficient storage facilities.
The innovative milk dispensing machine aims to raise awareness of this issue while offering consumers free, fresh milk at the push of a button.
Launched by Arla, this initiative represents the next phase of the UK’s leading dairy cooperative’s commitment to improving people’s access to daily dairy.
The nationwide rollout of fresh dairy provision will also see the brand partnering with Fareshare, the UK’s largest charity redistributing surplus food, to donate fully-stocked-and-sponsored fridges to charities across the country.
Jonathan Dixon, senior vice president at Arla, stated: “We are on a mission to enhance the accessibility of nutritious dairy products for communities across the UK.”
“Too many charities have to turn away fresh dairy donations because they have nowhere to store it, but by working with FareShare, we hope to overcome that,” said a spokesperson for the initiative.
The research found that 62% were not aware that not all food banks have fridges and therefore can’t store fresh dairy products.
Ben Ashmore, head of external affairs at FareShare, added: “Our charities report that the demand for nutritious dairy products is increasing, but many lack the infrastructure to store refrigerated items safely.”
“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.”
Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a specialist dietitian, stated: “As a registered dietitian, I strongly support initiatives like this that provide increased access to dairy products.”
“A 200ml glass of milk provides protein, as well as the minerals calcium and iodine too, so regular consumption can help ensure we meet our daily needs for these particular nutrients.”
