The first ever free milk ATM has appeared in North London – to help highlight the importance of giving people access to daily dairy which many UK food charities are currently unable to provide.
It marks the start of a nationwide roll out of fresh dairy provision in food charities across the country, after it was revealed an estimated 450,000 people who rely on these schemes do not have access.
Fresh dairy is one of the most requested items at food charities according to FareShare, but around one in five (19%) of the charities it supports can’t offer it, with many forced to decline donations due to a lack of storage facilities.
The innovative milk dispensing machine aims to raise awareness of this issue while allowing consumers to receive free, fresh milk at the push of a button.
Launched by Arla, it marks the next steps of the UK’s leading dairy cooperative’s commitment to enhance people’s access to daily dairy.
The nationwide rollout of fresh dairy provision will also see the brand partner 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 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.”
Ben Ashmore, head of external affairs at FareShare, 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.”
A study of 2,000 adults commissioned by the dairy brand found half of adults couldn’t imagine not having access to milk on a daily basis, but 62% were not aware that not all food banks have fridges and therefore can’t store fresh dairy products.
With 65% believing there is a general lack of understanding around the health advantages of dairy, 52% say they would be more likely to increase their intake if they were more aware of its benefits.
While some are aware of the nutritional benefits – including it being a source of calcium (75%) and helping maintain strong bones (60%) – only 20% know it helps reduce fatigue and 35% believe dairy isn’t spoken about enough in terms of dietary needs.
Nichola Ludlam-Raine, specialist dietitian, 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.”
