Western Morning News (Saturday)
Dairy giant Arla providing meals for the vulnerable
Over 830 tonnes of Arla products have been distributed by FareShare, reports Athwenna Irons
DURING a year of much uncertainty, turbulence and continued challenges, a leading farmer-owned dairy cooperative has diverted more than 830 tonnes of surplus products to help provide millions of meals for vulnerable people.
Arla Foods, whose portfolio of processing sites include the Taw Valley Creamery in North Tawton and Trevarrian Creamery in Newquay, has this year made record provisions to charity partner, FareShare, which is the UK’s largest food redistribution charity and works to fight hunger and food waste.
A total of 838 tonnes of Arla products such as milk, butter and cheese have been distributed across the entire FareShare network in England, Scotland and Wales to 8,490 front line charities. This contribution has resulted in the equivalent to two million meals going directly to people who rely on its work, such as homeless shelters, community cafes and school breakfast clubs.
Arla Foods spokesperson, Jonathan Dixon, said: “Arla has been a longstanding partner of FareShare, supporting the valuable work they do across the UK by redistributing surplus food to feed vulnerable people by donating our dairy products.
“With the unprecedented year we have had and the closure of foodservice outlets, we are pleased that our products could be redirected to ensure FareShare’s great work continues, combatting food waste and hunger and helping give two million meals to people right across the country.”
Owned by 9,700 farmers across Europe, 2,400 of whom are British, Arla Foods is home to household name brands such as Castello, Cravendale, Lacto Free and Lurpak.
According to the findings of a recent survey, a third of charities said they would not have been able to feed people during the coronavirus crisis without food supplies coming in from FareShare, and communities and organisations have stepped up to support those who need it most.
Lindsay Boswell, chief executive of FareShare, commented: “Thank you to Arla for working with FareShare to provide an incredible two million meals this year. Arla is a committed and longstanding FareShare partner and the continued support of Arla and its farmers helps ensure nutritious food and drink reaches thousands of charities and community groups across the UK. By doing the right thing with surplus, Arla has provided food for the most vulnerable in our communities in what’s been an incredibly tough year.”
FareShare supports 11,000 charities across the UK and provides around 57 million meals a year for vulnerable people. In response to the pandemic it has more than tripled the amount of food delivered each week.