FONTERRA’S MILK for Schools scheme has secured its first co-sponsor – Fisher & Paykel, supplying Fonterra with discounted fridges for each of the participating schools.
Made at Fisher & Paykel’s East Tamaki Plant in Auckland, the fridges will have strengthened shelves and adjusted airflow to chill the milk within 24 hours.
Fonterra Milk for Schools offers all primary-aged children in 2000 schools a free pack of milk every school day.
Fonterra group general manager global cooperative social responsibility Carly Robinson says feedback from the Northland pilot has shown the need for fridges to suit the schools. “It’s great to have Fisher & Paykel showing their support… and helping us give schools fridges to suit their needs.”
Fisher & Paykel Appliances vice president corporate planning and media Matthew Orr says the company is proud to support the programme.
“Gone are the days when kids had to drink warm milk and I’m sure anyone who remembers those days will be glad of that. It’s fantastic we are able to help ensure New Zealand children can enjoy milk the way it’s meant to be,” he says.
“Along with tailoring the fridges… we are also able to offer three different fridge sizes that Fonterra can use to match to schools sizes.”
Fisher & Paykel will deliver and install the fridges at participating schools through the company’s nationwide network of technicians. Its national contact centre will be available for support.
Fonterra Milk for Schools will begin in Southland late in the first school term.
Christchurch will follow a few weeks after. It’s expected that by the end of term 1 2014 all schools who want to take part in the scheme will be supplied.