Campaign seeks to collect tens of thousands of litres of milk

Milk For Change fights undernourishment

Two-and-a-half million children in South Africa (14%) attend school hungry, resulting in them not being able to focus properly on their education, according to Statistics on Children South Africa.

This figure is set to rise as the effects of South Africa’s drought impacts food production. John Strömblad, Tetra Pak South Africa MD says South Africans are struggling, under present conditions, to put food on the table. “As a result,” he says, “good nutrition is beyond the means of many people as food prices soar because of the worst drought South Africa is experiencing in two decades.”

The Milk For Change campaign is part of Tetra Pak’s celebration of World Milk Day celebrated annually on 1 June. As part of the campaign, some Pick n Pay supermarkets across Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal will provide collection points for consumers to donate long life milk while FeedSA will assist with the distribution.

“The composition of dairy products helps to address both current nutrient deficiencies and the risk of developing chronic diseases. According to Rediscover Dairy, the Consumer Education Project of Milk SA,” says Strömblad, “the dairy intake for South Africans is well below the recommended daily intake of 500ml. Milk is an ideal source of protein and calcium, and also contains a range of essential vitamins and minerals.”

Long life milk is produced through an ultra-high temperature process, which ensures the milk remains fresh – without any preservatives – and retains its nutritional value.

Packaging is also a critical aspect of milk preservation. The carton packaging, comprising six layers, also helps with retaining the milk’s nutritional value and freshness, while protecting it from environmental factors.

The campaign, which runs from 26 May to 1 June, will assist in feeding communities in need. Thirty-three thousand litres have already been pledged by dairy industry partners.

FeedSA, a non-profit organisation founded in 1994, runs feeding programmes in townships for children who do not receive government grants. The organisation feeds almost 6 000 children daily.

The Milk For Change drive hopes to encourage consumers to donate milk towards the fight against undernourishment in South Africa’s underprivileged communities. The campaign will also educate consumers about the nutritional benefits of long life milk.

“Consumers are often not aware of the extraordinary technology that goes into preserving milk – the technical aspects of the UHT-Ultra High Temperature process, combined with the aseptic packaging process. The Milk For Change drive hopes to empower consumers by giving them insight into this technology, which results in shelf-stable milk without the need for preservatives,” concludes Strömblad.

Participating stores

 Gauteng: Pick n Pay Greenstone, Pick n Pay Ruimsig, Pick n Pay On Nicol, Pick n Pay Hyde Park corner, Pick n Pay Bedford Centre, Pick n Pay Chilli Lane, Pick n Pay Lonehill, Pick n Pay Cradlestone, Pick n Pay Norwood, Pick n Pay Rosebank, Pick n Pay Lynnwood, Pick n Pay Waterkloof Rand

Kwazulu-Natal: Pick n Pay Meerensee, Pick n Pay Hyper by the Sea, Pick n Pay Westwood

Western Cape: Pick n Pay Camps Bay, Pick n Pay Sea Point, Pick n Pay Somerset West, Pick n Pay Strand, Pick n Pay Wynberg