Retailer calls on community groups to register now to receive festive food donations

They will be paired with their nearest Aldi outlet and will be able to collect fresh and chilled food products that are near the end of their shelf life ahead of closing time on Christmas Eve.

Luke Peech, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi, said: “Our Christmas food donations scheme plays a big role in supporting those in need during the festive period and is something we are very passionate about.

“This is our fourth year running the initiative and we look forward to working with local charities once again.”

Aldi donated nearly 450,000 meals to good causes last Christmas and it expects to increase that this year following months of lockdown.

It has linked up with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to food banks and charities, which enables all its 894 UK stores to donate surplus food.

Steve Butterworth from Neighbourly said: “Sadly, charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas because of the pandemic and its impact on communities up and down the country.

“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put the food to good use so we’d encourage them to get in touch.”

Community groups and organisations interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact aldichristmas@neighbourly.com before 7 December.