Aldi supermarkets are supporting charities, communities and food banks across Greater London with an emergency fund this winter.
Their Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund will provide £250,000 to help organisations facing higher demands for their services.
It builds on Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform.
From early December, customers shopping at Aldi will be able to donate food they buy, by looking for food approved by a logo on shelves and dropping them off at donation points at checkouts.
Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK said: “We know this Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many, but this year is understandably going to be tougher for a lot of households.
“That’s why we’re more committed than ever to doing what we can to give back.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living is impacting communities up and down the country and the charities we support are expecting to see demand increase even further over the coming months.
“Without the support of the public and businesses like Aldi we’d be unable to help those in need.”
With the cost-of-living crisis, campaigners have said this winter will be particularly difficult for people.
The Trussell Trust, Britain’s largest food bank, issued an emergency appeal earlier this year.
A statement said: “The Trussell Trust is warning that food banks face the hardest winter yet as it prepares to provide a predicted 1.3 million emergency food parcels in the next six months, including half a million for children.
“As more people find themselves unable to afford the essentials, food banks are struggling to meet the increased need and are having to purchase three times as much food as they did last year.”
A recent survey of Neighbourly charities also revealed 72% of people will need more food items to help with increased demands this Christmas.
The most in-demand items will be promoted in Aldi stores to help increase donations this Christmas.
In-demand items include things such as cereal, rice, pasta, tinned food and toiletries.
Charities and community groups who want to get involved can email Neighbourly at [email protected].
