ALDI is spreading festive cheer by donating Christmas lunches to those in low-income areas in Merseyside.

Through its partnership with Company Shop Group, the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household goods, the supermarket will provide more than 2,000 free Christmas lunches nationwide to its award-winning social enterprise, Community Shop.

The Community shop in Kirkdale will receive more than 150 meals, allowing members to come together at this festive time of year.

Britain’s 4th-largest supermarket has partnered with Company Shop since 2022 to manage surplus stock from its Regional Distribution Centres. Through this collaboration, surplus items are sold at discounted prices to members throughout the year, making essentials more accessible and reducing waste.

This year, Community Shop members will be invited to a three-course Christmas meal at their local store, hosted on:- 17, 18, and 19 December 2024.

As part of the initiative, British supplier Bernard Matthews, who Aldi has worked with since 2012, will be donating the Christmas turkeys for members to enjoy.

Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said:- “For the past 2 years, we’ve partnered with Company Shop Group to redistribute surplus stock from our Regional Distribution Centres, making our groceries even more affordable for Community Shop members. This is our 2nd year supporting the Christmas lunch and we’re going to be providing even more free festive dinners to those in need. The festive season can be expensive, but this initiative allows members to celebrate without worrying about the associated cost.”

Gary Stott, Executive Chairman at Community Shop, added:- “We’re incredibly grateful to Aldi for its continued generosity. Many of our members are feeling the pressures of Christmas, and events like these not only spread festive cheer but also bring communities together during challenging times.”

To find out more about Company Shop Group and Community Shop visit:- www.companyshopgroup.co.uk/