School milk set to roll in

Registrations for the first round of the Fonterra Milk for Schools Northland pilot closed today. A total of 112 out of 133 schools signed up and ready for their first delivery of milk, says Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.

“We’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the support shown by the Northland community and we can’t wait to start filling the school fridges.

“It’s great to know that we’ll be providing a dose of dairy nutrition to more than 10,000 Kiwi kids every school day,” says Spierings.

The New Zealand dietary guidelines recommend that school children consume at least two to three servings of milk every day.

“Dairy is fundamental for good nutrition, especially in growing bodies. We want to do what we can to ensure New Zealand children grow up drinking milk because it is good for them.

“After much planning and anticipation, we’re excited to see Fonterra Milk for Schools in action and we’re committed to continuing to work with the schools to shape a successful programme,” Spierings says.

Fonterra will be monitoring the pilot over the first three terms to establish how to best introduce Fonterra Milk for Schools nationwide and iron out practical details such as getting the milk to schools, keeping it cool and recycling the packaging.