Edinburgh Aldi stores donate more than 24,000 meals to charities, foodbanks and community groups over summer

More than 24,000 meals have been given to charities and foodbanks from Edinburgh-based Aldi stores over the summer holiday period.

The budget supermarket has revealed that its Edinburgh shops donated a total of 24,039 meals to various organisations throughout the school summer holidays.

Aldi’s surplus stock is redistricted through a partnership with award-winning platform Neighbourly, which connects businesses to local community groups and charities.

Aldi stores across Edinburgh have donated more than 24,000 meals to charities and foodbanks over the school summer holidays. | Aldi/Supplied

Aldi and Neighbourly have worked together since 2019 to help donate stock.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “There’s no reason for good food to go to waste when it can be put to use by organisations supporting their local communities.

“Our stores redistribute surplus food throughout the year, giving local charities a regular source of food they can use to support the people who rely on them.”

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Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “For many of the organisations we work with, summer doesn’t mean demand eases off.

“The school holidays can bring an additional pressure, as families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.

“Regular surplus food donations give charities something practical they can use straight away, helping them keep shelves stocked and respond to what people in their communities need.”

While surplus Aldi stock is received from stores across Edinburgh, shoppers can also make donations of food and essential items at donation points across inside store across the region.