Aldi is inviting charities, community groups, and food banks across the United Kingdom to register for surplus food donations ahead of the Christmas season.
Working with the community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi aims to help those facing food insecurity by providing fresh and chilled food nearing its expiration from local stores. This initiative seeks to match charities with their nearest Aldi outlet to facilitate the collection process efficiently.
Luke Emery, the national sustainability director at Aldi UK, highlighted the increasing need for support from charity partners, emphasising Aldi’s commitment to aiding local communities during the festive period. He stated, “We know that the services provided by our incredible charity partners are needed now more than ever. That’s why we are dedicated to providing as much support as possible for the communities we serve this Christmas.”
Neighbourly’s chief executive, Steve Butterworth, acknowledged the challenging times faced by many families and stressed the importance of such partnerships. He expressed confidence that numerous groups could benefit from the additional help provided by businesses like Aldi, encouraging them to enrol in the programme.
To participate, interested organisations not currently affiliated with Neighbourly should contact Aldi via email by 8 November. This call to action comes at a time when Aldi is also preparing to enhance its workforce, intending to employ 3,500 new colleagues to meet the demands of the busy holiday season.
Positions being offered include store assistants, managerial roles, and cleaning staff, reflecting Aldi’s proactive approach to ensuring smooth operations during one of the retail sector’s most demanding times. This recruitment drive underlines the company’s strategic efforts to maintain high service levels and customer satisfaction.
Aldi’s programme not only supports those in need but also reflects the retailer’s broader commitment to community welfare and operational readiness as the Christmas season approaches.