Charities and community groups are being encouraged to sign up to Aldi’s surplus food donation scheme ahead of Christmas.

In partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi stores donate surplus food year-round. But with all stores set to close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, the festive season provides an opportunity for even more charities to benefit from the partnership.

Working with community giving platform Neighbourly, Aldi redistributes surplus food from its stores to charities and community groups across the UK.

Already this year, Aldi has donated more than 15 million meals through the partnership.

Participating groups are matched with nearby Aldi stores and can collect surplus food to support people in their communities.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “At Christmas, so many local charities, food banks and community groups are working harder than ever to support people in their area, and we want to make sure good food gets to those who need it most.

“If customers know a brilliant local group that could benefit, we’d encourage them to spread the word and ask them to get in touch with Neighbourly, so we can get even more surplus food into local communities this festive season.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, said: “At Neighbourly, we see first-hand how important local food donations can be for the charities and community groups supporting people through winter.

“We’d encourage any local good causes that could benefit to get in touch, so we can connect them with nearby Aldi stores and help good food reach people in their communities.”

Any charity or community group in Yorkshire not already working with Neighbourly can register its interest by emailing aldi@neighbourly.com, where they can create a page. Customers who know a local organisation that could benefit are encouraged to spread the word and ask them to get in touch.

Customers can also support local causes year-round by donating food and household essentials through the community donation points available in every Aldi store.