In a bid to support low-income communities during the festive season, Aldi is set to donate over 2,000 Christmas lunches across the United Kingdom through a collaboration with the Company Shop Group.
Aldi’s partnership with Company Shop Group, which began in 2022, aims to manage surplus stock from its regional distribution centres. This initiative involves selling discounted surplus items to members throughout the year. This year, the arrangement will culminate in a special three-course Christmas meal offered to members of Company Shop Group’s social enterprise, Community Shop.
The Christmas meals will be hosted at local Community Shop stores on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of December. This effort is further supported by Bernard Matthews, a British supplier that has been working with Aldi since 2012, who will contribute turkeys for the dinners.
Luke Emery, Aldi UK’s national sustainability director, highlighted the importance of such initiatives, stating, “For the past two years, we’ve partnered with Company Shop Group to redistribute surplus stock from our regional distribution centres, making our groceries even more affordable for Community Shop members. This is our second year supporting the Christmas lunch and we’re going to be providing even more free festive dinners to those in need. The festive season can be expensive, but this initiative allows members to celebrate without worrying about the associated cost.”
Community Shop chairman Gary Stott expressed gratitude towards Aldi, emphasising the impact of these events. He remarked, “We’re incredibly grateful to Aldi for its continued generosity. Many of our members are feeling the pressures of Christmas, and events like these not only spread festive cheer but also bring communities together during challenging times.”
As the holiday season approaches, Aldi’s initiative to provide Christmas meals to those in need underscores the importance of community support and generosity. This programme not only offers financial relief to families but also fosters a sense of togetherness during a time that can otherwise be financially stressful.
