// Aldi is donating almost 250,000 meals to people in need this Easter
// Food banks reported an average rise in demand of around 31% for their services so far this year
As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, Aldi has revealed it will be upping its support for charities and community groups by donating almost 250,000 meals to people in need throughout the upcoming Easter school holidays.
Around 105 tonnes of food will be donated throughout the UK, with more than 187,000 meals expected to be donated to causes focused on supporting families and children.
According to a survey by the community giving platform Neighbourly and Aldi – which work together to distribute surplus food from the supermarket’s stores – 99% have seen a surge in demand since the start of the year.
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On average, food banks reported an average rise in demand of around 31% for their services so far this year, with expectations of a similar increase in the next three months as higher energy bills and an increase in national insurance contributions add to the pressure.
Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, commented: “The school holidays can be a particularly busy time for the local charities and organisations we support, but, especially in the current climate, it is likely these organisations will soon see greater demand than ever before.
“We’re proud to support good causes across the country, helping them to provide meals to those in need all year round. Customers can also donate in store if they wish, with donation points located by the packing benches in all our stores.”
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “The findings of our latest survey highlight that the cost-of-living crisis is clearly deepening, with families and households up and down the country really starting to feel the pinch and turning to charities and local causes for support as a result.
“During what is a hard time for everyone, anything people can do to give back in the coming weeks will make all the difference.”
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