Groups urged to sign up for surplus food at Christmas
DISCOUNT chain Aldi is calling on charities, community groups and food banks across Loughborough to register to receive surplus food donations this Christmas Eve.
Last Christmas, Aldi donated nearly 450,000 meals to good causes throughout the UK, and the firm hopes to increase this number for Christmas 2020.
The meals will support those in need at a time when more households are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The supermarket has teamed up with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to food banks and charities, with each of Aldi’s 894 UK stores now donating surplus food seven days a week, all year round.
Christmas provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the initiative, and any charities and community groups in Loughborough with the resource to help can get in touch to register for a festive food donation from Britain’s fifth largest supermarket.
Good causes will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food products that are near the end of their shelf life, including fruit, vegetables, fresh
meat, fish and bread, ahead of stores closing on Christmas Eve.
Luke Peech, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, 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 in Loughborough once again.
“Last year we were able to help thousands of people across the UK, and this year we’re hoping to extend this even further in what has been a challenging year for so many.”
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.”
Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply, but they must have a level two hygiene certificate, gained in the last two years, and be able to transport and store chilled food products, after collecting them on Christmas Eve at 5pm.
If you are interested in working on the project, contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@neighbourly.com before December 7.
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.
Steve Butterworth