// Lidl rolls out food donation boxes to support local communities during coronavirus pandemic
// Food donation boxes will support vulnerable families and community groups via partner Neighbourly
// Lidl so far donated over 5m meals to community projects through its food surplus redistribution network
Lidl has started to roll out new customer food donation boxes in an bid to help local community members in need of food and supplies amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The initiative, which will be available in stores around the UK from today, comes as an extension of Lidl’s existing Feed in Back scheme which is run in partnership with the Neighbourly charity.
The boxes will be available in store for those customers who may wish to donate any food or groceries to the cause.
READ MORE:
- Lidl the latest grocer to install protection screens at checkouts
- Coronavirus: Asda donates £5m to charities
- John Lewis, M&S Co-op donate to charities to assist during coronavirus crisis
Donations will be then distributed to a broad range of organisations across Neighbourly’s extensive network of community partners, including food banks, community centres, soup kitchens and more, where any donated food will be put to good use for those in need.
“The current situation continues to be very challenging for everyone and that’s why we’re extending our Feed it Back scheme with Neighbourly in our stores to offer our customers the chance to help make a difference too, if they feel they are able to,” Lidl GB chief executive Christian Härtnagel said.
“In these trying times, it’s vitally important that we look to help those within our communities who are in most need of our support.”
Neighbourly chief executive Steve Butterworth said: “We’re pleased to be able to support Lidl as they roll out this new initiative.
“Our network of charities and community causes are working round the clock at this time to support isolated and vulnerable members of the community with food and basic essentials.
“Anything that customers can donate will make a huge difference to someone in their community.”
The roll out follows last week’s announcement that the supermarket will donate £100,000 to its partnership with Neighbourly as part of the Covid-19 Emergency Community Fund.
Lidl has run its Feed it Back scheme in partnership with Neighbourly since 2017, which enables the discount grocer to distribute unsold surplus food to local communities, and has so far donated the equivalent of over five million meals to its partner charities.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
