Fresh milk ATM launched in North London to combat dairy scarcity in food charities

The UK's first free milk ATM has been unveiled in north London, as it's been revealed that 450,000 people reliant on food banks and other food charities lack fresh dairy access

North London has welcomed the UK's first-ever free milk ATM, a pioneering move aimed at highlighting the crucial need for daily dairy access - a challenge many British food charities currently grapple with.

This heralds the start of a nationwide drive to boost fresh dairy availability in food charities across the country, following shocking revelations that an estimated 450,000 people dependent on these schemes lack such access.

The initiative follows a study commissioned by the dairy brand which found that half of adults couldn't fathom not having access to milk every day, with a whopping 76 per cent consuming it at least several times a week.

Indeed, 35 per cent confessed they'd find it tough if they didn't have access to milk, and over half (53 per cent) believe everyone should be able to easily obtain dairy-based foods.

Despite fresh dairy being one of the most in-demand items at food charities, according to FareShare, about one in five (19 per cent) of the charities it supports are unable to provide it, often forced to turn down donations due to inadequate storage facilities.

The innovative milk dispensing machine aims to spotlight this issue while offering consumers free, fresh milk at the touch of a button.

Launched by Arla, this initiative marks the next stage of the UK's leading dairy cooperative's commitment to enhancing people's access to daily dairy.

The UK is set to witness a significant boost in fresh dairy accessibility as a leading brand teams up with FareShare, the nation's foremost charity fighting food waste, to supply charities nationwide with sponsored fridges brimming with dairy goods.

Jonathan Dixon, Arla's senior vice president, commented: "We are on a mission to enhance the accessibility of nutritious dairy products for communities across the UK."

A spokesperson for the initiative highlighted a common issue faced by charities: "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,".

Recent studies have revealed that a staggering 62 per cent of people were unaware that not all food banks possess refrigeration facilities, which limits their ability to stock fresh dairy items.

Ben Ashmore, FareShare's head of external affairs, shared insights into the growing need: "Our charities report that the demand for nutritious dairy products is increasing, but many lack the infrastructure to store refrigerated items safely."

He further expressed gratitude for the support: "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, voiced her endorsement of such initiatives: "As a registered dietitian, I strongly support initiatives like this that provide increased access to dairy products."

She also emphasised the nutritional benefits of milk: "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."