Arla has announced the launch of a nationwide initiative aimed at supplying fresh dairy produce to food charities across Britain.
The cooperative established the directive after new research revealed that an estimated 450,000 people relying on charity provisions do not have access to fresh dairy products, as charities are forced to decline donations due to a lack of storage facilities.
According to FareShare, the UK’s biggest food redistribution charity, and longstanding Arla partner, 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 were unable to meet the high demands for dairy products, with most respondents attributing this to the lack of fridge space, which prevents them from stocking perishables.
In response to this, Arla is providing fully-stocked-and-sponsored fridges to charities across the country, beginning with the rollout of 100 fridges to FareShare charities.
Arla
To mark the start of this initiative and to raise awareness of the plight in general, Arla has launched the world’s first free milk vending machine in north London earlier this week, which provides fresh milk at the touch of a button.
Senior vice president at Arla, Jonathan Dixon said: “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.”
A recent study commissioned by Arla found that half of all adults couldn’t imagine not having access to dairy on a daily basis, with 76% of respondents consuming it a few times a week.
Meanwhile, 62% were not aware that not all foodbanks have fridges and therefore can’t store fresh dairy products, while 53% are of the opinion that everyone should have access to dairy.
Head of External Affairs at FareShare, Ben Ashmore said: “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. This donation helps strengthen the capacity of our charity network, enabling them to support their communities better.
“We are incredibly grateful to Arla for their ongoing support in helping us turn surplus food into a force for good, reducing waste, and creating healthier, more resilient communities.”
The research by Arla went on to demonstrate that a quarter of all those surveyed do not prioritise dairy in their diets, despite 89% of them agreeing that dairy is an important addition to their daily food intakes.
65% believe this is due to a lack of awareness of the benefits of regular dairy consumption and 52% claim they would be more inclined to increase their dairy intakes if they had a greater understanding of its merits.
UK specialist registered dietitian, Nichola Ludlam-Raine said: “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.
“Having access to fresh milk can also encourage healthier eating habits, such as making time for breakfast. A nutritious breakfast might include wholegrain cereal, milk, and fruit, providing a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fibre to start the day well.”
