Charities, community groups, and food banks across the United Kingdom are being urged to register for surplus food donations this Christmas, as a major retailer collaborates with a community giving platform.
Aldi is extending its annual initiative to support those in need by distributing surplus food items from its stores. In collaboration with Neighbourly, a platform dedicated to community giving, the initiative aims to pair Aldi stores with local charities during the festive season. This partnership allows participating organisations to collect fresh and chilled products nearing the end of their shelf life.
Luke Emery, the national sustainability director at Aldi UK, emphasises the critical nature of this support. “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,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing commitment to community support.
The importance of such initiatives is further echoed by Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive of Neighbourly. He noted that Christmas can present significant challenges for many families, increasing reliance on local charity services. “We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could use the extra help that businesses like Aldi provide, so we encourage them to sign up,” he remarked.
Organisations wishing to benefit from this initiative are advised to express their interest by contacting Neighbourly by 8 November. This call comes as Aldi prepares for a busy festive period with plans to hire 3,500 new store colleagues. These roles include a range of positions from store assistants to management and cleaning staff, all crucial in maintaining customer service and store operations amid increased demand.
Aldi’s call for more organisations to join its surplus food distribution initiative underlines the pressing need for community support this Christmas. The partnership with Neighbourly continues to play a vital role in aiding those who rely on such services during challenging times.
