Aldi extends meal support over Easter

Aldi expects to extend its support of those in need this Easter by donating more than half a million meals during the school holidays.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket pairs its UK stores with local charities, community groups and food banks to collect unsold fresh and chilled food year-round.

During the upcoming school holidays, it expects almost two-thirds of these to be donated to causes solely focused on supporting families.

The food donations are part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.

Liz Fox, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: “We know that the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for families, and food banks regularly see heightened demand.

“By working with such amazing charities through our partnership Neighbourly, we are able to give back to the communities we serve year-round and hope to provide more food donations at Easter than ever this year.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, said: “The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has increased the demand on food banks, particularly during the school holidays.

“Aldi’s contributions serve as a lifeline for many, providing essential support to enable these causes to continue their vital work within local communities.”

Since the partnership began in 2019, Aldi has donated more than 44 million meals to good causes across the UK.

Aldi also recently partnered with Neighbourly to launch a new “Spring” fund to provide additional help for families in need across the UK.

Eligible charities across the Neighbourly network, such as baby banks and children’s centres, will be able to access microgrants of £500 to help them provide immediate support to struggling families.