Aldi is calling on shoppers to donate everyday essentials to foodbanks this summer, sharing the 11 items most needed by families in need. The supermarket giant, which has 113 stores in Scotland, has unveiled the products that charities say are most urgently required, making it simpler for customers to donate while completing their weekly shop.
Most-needed items
According to Aldi’s charity partner, Neighbourly, the most in-demand items this summer are:
- Tinned food
- Toiletries
- Tea/coffee
- Breakfast cereals
- Juices and soft drinks
- UHT milk
- Laundry and cleaning products
- Rice and pasta
- Cooking sauces/oils/condiments
- Pet food
- Baby essentials
Customers can drop off any of these items at community collection points in Aldi stores across the country, with all donations distributed to local foodbanks and charities through Aldi's longstanding partnership with Neighbourly.
Impact on families
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: "The summer holidays can be a particularly difficult time for many families, with the cost of keeping children fed while they're home from school putting extra pressure on household budgets."
"We know our customers are incredibly generous and want to support people in their local communities. Even adding just one extra everyday essential to your weekly shop can make a real difference."
"By sharing the items charities need most, we hope to make it as easy as possible for shoppers to give back while they're in store."
Steve Butterworth, CEO at Neighbourly, said: "When schools break up for summer, many families lose access to the support they rely on during term time, while household food costs often increase."
"That's why donations of everyday essentials are so important. Thanks to the continued support of Aldi and its customers, local charities can respond to increased demand and help ensure families have access to the support they need throughout the holidays."
Additional support
Alongside contributions from customers, Aldi anticipates donating an estimated two million meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations throughout the UK this summer via its partnership with Neighbourly, helping to ensure surplus food reaches those who need it rather than going to waste.
As part of its broader dedication to cutting food waste, Aldi also collaborates with Company Shop to redistribute excess food from its regional distribution centres and has teamed up with The Salvation Army to pass on unsold non-food Specialbuys to those in need.
Shoppers can drop off the listed items at community collection points situated in Aldi stores across the country.
Survey reveals strain
Parents have dipped into savings, skipped meals and used food banks during school holidays, a survey has found. The new research from The Children’s Society comes as families prepare for the upcoming summer break. It reveals the strain families face when term ends and "essential support is withdrawn", the charity said.
In the survey of 3,000 UK parents, around two-thirds (65%) said they worry about the cost of food during the holidays and 77% worry about the cost of activities. Of those who reported struggling with holiday costs previously, a third said they dipped into savings to cover costs, almost quarter borrowed money from family and friends, 27% skipped a meal and one in 10 used a food bank.
Mark Russell, chief executive of The Children’s Society, said: "Summer holidays should be a time for fun, but for too many families it is a nightmare."
"They find themselves in debt, stressed, and needing a foodbank to survive. As schools close their gates for the summer break, we are seeing more and more families facing a gap in support, increased financial pressure and difficult choices."
"Activities, enrichment and time to connect with others are not luxuries. They are essential to children’s wellbeing, confidence and development. It’s vital we do better than this so children and families don’t miss out."
