// Aldi has called on charities to collect surplus food from its UK branches
// In 2018, Aldi donated just under 500,000 meals to charities across the country for Christmas
Aldi has revealed plans to donate leftover food on Christmas Eve in a bid to help those in need and reduce food waste.
The German discounter has called on charities and community groups from around the UK to collect food donations from branches.
Organisations that are involved can collect fresh food products from the stores that are nearing the end of their shelf life, including fruit, vegetables, fish, bread and fresh meat.
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Last year saw Aldi donating just under half a million meals to charities across the country for Christmas.
Earlier this year, Aldi launched a new partnership with Neighbourly, a platform that links large businesses with local charitable organisations.
“Our Christmas food donation scheme is something we’re really passionate about, and we’re working with Neighbourly this year to pair as many stores up as possible,” Aldi UK Fritz Walleczek managing director of corporate responsibility said.
“Last year we were able to reach thousands of people across the UK, and some charities were even able to prepare fresh meals that fed families well into the New Year.
“This is our third year of Christmas food donations and we’re hoping this year will be just as successful, and we look forward to working with local charities and food banks in the future,” he said.
Aldi said that 95 per cent of its branches now donate surplus food throughout the year, five days a week.
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