In a ground-breaking move to combat dairy poverty, a new initiative has been unveiled in North London. Arla Foods, in partnership with FareShare, has launched the United Kingdom’s first-ever free milk ATM, offering fresh milk to the public at the touch of a button.
Located in a bustling North London neighbourhood, this innovative ‘Milk Bank ATM’ provides access to free fresh milk, marking a significant step in addressing the issue of dairy scarcity in communities. The machine, part of a temporary pop-up, is designed to encourage awareness of the challenges surrounding dairy accessibility.
Arla Foods has committed to enhancing the availability of nutritious dairy products nationwide. In partnership with FareShare, they aim to install fully sponsored and stocked ‘Milk Banks’ across the country. The initiative will include 100 fridges provided to various FareShare-affiliated charities, enabling them to store dairy products safely.
Jonathan Dixon, a 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.”
Ben Ashmore of FareShare echoed Dixon’s sentiments, highlighting that many charities face increasing demand for dairy products but lack the necessary infrastructure for refrigerated storage. “Thanks to Arla’s generous commitment to donating fridges to charities across the UK,” Ashmore noted, “many of these organisations can now offer a more varied range of nutritious food.”
This collaborative effort underscores a broader commitment to social responsibility and support for communities in need. Arla’s initiative arrives on the heels of a new agreement with Aldi, where the retailer plans to invest over £30 million in its dairy suppliers over the next three and a half years.
This innovative approach not only provides immediate relief to those facing dairy shortages but also lays the groundwork for ongoing support and infrastructure development. As the partnership between Arla and FareShare progresses, it is poised to significantly improve access to essential dairy products across the United Kingdom.
