Fonterra is joining forces with another home-grown New Zealand business to ensure that the milk kids are drinking through the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme is perfectly chilled.
Fisher & Paykel is providing Fonterra with discounted fridges for each of the participating schools who take part in the programme.
Made at Fisher & Paykel’s East Tamaki Plant in Auckland, the fridges are being specifically tailored with strengthened shelves and adjusted airflow to ensure the milk is perfectly chilled within 24 hours.
Fonterra Milk for Schools offers all primary-aged children in more than 2,000 schools throughout New Zealand a free serving of milk every school day.
Carly Robinson, group general manager, global cooperative social responsibility, Fonterra, said feedback from the Northland pilot has shown how important it is to provide fridges that suit the school environment.
“Flexibility is something we try to achieve throughout the programme to make sure Fonterra Milk for Schools fits seamlessly into each school’s days,” she said.
“It’s great to have Fisher & Paykel on board showing their support for Fonterra Milk for Schools and helping us give schools fridges to suit their needs,” Robinson added.
Matthew Orr, vice-president, corporate planning and media, Fisher & Paykel Appliances, said the company is proud to support a programme that provides nutrition to New Zealand kids.
“Gone are the days when kids had to drink warm milk and I am sure anyone who remembers those days will be glad of that. It is fantastic we are able to help ensure New Zealand children can enjoy milk the way it is meant to be – chilled and full of nutrition,” he said.
Orr said, “Along with tailoring the fridges to suit the Fonterra Milk for Schools programme 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 to participating schools through the company’s nation-wide network of technicians, with its New Zealand-based contact centre providing support where needed.
Fonterra Milk for Schools will start rolling out in Southland towards the end of Term 1 with Christchurch following a few weeks after. It is expected that by the end of Term 1 of 2014, all schools who want to take part in the programme will have access to milk every school day.
