Aldi is encouraging local charities, community groups and food banks across Scotland to register now to receive surplus food donations this Christmas to make sure every family is fed this year.
The popular supermarket has pledged to donate 10 million meals to families across Scotland who are facing hunger across the festive period this year.
Food charities across Scotland who meet the requirements are being encouraged to sign up for the scheme before December 5 to make sure families across the country will have access to food this holiday season.
Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our food donations scheme operates year-round, but we know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for the families and communities we support."
“That’s why we are so committed to increasing the number of meals we donate over the festive season, and we look forward to working with local charities this Christmas to help us meet our 10 million meals target for the year.”
The donations will be part of Aldi's ongoing successful partnership with neighbourly which enabled all of Aldi’s 930 UK stores to donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.
With the supermarket closing its doors on Boxing Day and New Year, the retailer wants to make sure that any products approaching the end of their shelf lives will reach any families who may miss out this Christmas.
They have encouraged any Scottish charities, food banks and local community groups who may benefit from this scheme to sign up and register now for any donations to help them feed Scottish families in need.
Charity partnerships already in place will be prioritised for any festive donations, but for any future availability, additional organisations are being invited to apply to be paired with a local Aldi store to collect fresh and chilled food products – including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added : “With the impact of the pandemic still being felt by communities up and down the country, charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas.
“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put this food to good use, so we’d encourage them to get in touch.”
How can charities apply for surplus food donations with Aldi?
Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must:
- Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years
- Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve at 5pm
Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@neighbourly.com before December 5 2021.
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