Aldi has encouraged local charities, community groups and food banks to register now to receive surplus food donations this Christmas.
As part of Aldi’s pledge to donate 10 million meals this year to families across the UK, the discounter has committed to donate more meals than ever.
Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly, the community engagement platform, has allowed Aldi’s 930 UK stores to donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.
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With all Aldi stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and News Year’s Day, the retailer wants to ensure that any products approaching the end of their shelf life reach families who might otherwise miss out this Christmas.
Charities, food banks and community groups who could benefit from the scheme are encouraged to get in touch and register now for a festive food donation.
Existing charity partnerships will be prioritised for these festive collections, but where there’s availability, additional organisations are being invited to apply to be paired with a local Aldi store to collect fresh and chilled food products – including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
“Our food donations scheme operates year-round, but we know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for the families and communities we support,” Aldi UK Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility, Mary Dunn said.
“That’s why we are so committed to increasing the number of meals we donate over the festive season, and we look forward to working with local charities this Christmas to help us meet our 10 million meals target for the year.”
Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must:
• Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years
• Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 5pm
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