Shopping

Aldi is donating thousands of Christmas dinners to community groups in ‘low-income areas’

The supermarket said it wanted to do something "extra special" to support those who need it most this festive season.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th November 2023

Aldi is donating thousands of Christmas dinners to community groups in some of the UK’s most low-income areas.

Christmas is always known to be one of the busiest periods of the year for the retail industry, but Aldi has decided it won’t let the hustle and bustle stop it from “spreading the festive cheer” and “bringing together local communities” this year.

That’s because the supermarket has announced it will be donating thousands of Christmas dinners to those who need it most over the festive season.

Working in partnership with Company Shop Group – which is the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products – the budget retailer will be providing three-course festive feasts to local community groups in some of the UK’s low-income areas, and all for completely free of charge.

Aldi is donating thousands of Christmas dinners to community groups in ‘low-income areas’ / Credit: Aldi

It’s hoped the initiative will support those struggling to cope with the expenses that come along with Christmas, as the rising cost of living crisis unfortunately continues to make its impact felt nationwide.

ADVERTISEMENT

Community Shop members will be given the opportunity to sign up for the three-course Christmas meal for free.

Around 2,000 free Christmas dinners will available, Aldi has confirmed.

ADVERTISEMENT
The budget supermarket has released one of its most expansive festive food and drink ranges ever this year / Credit: Aldi

Aldi’s National Sustainability Director, Liz Fox, explained that the company wanted to do “something extra special” to show support this Christmas, adding that it hopes providing Christmas lunch donations will “spread some festive joy among those who need it most”.

The initiative comes after Aldi has been working with Company Shop Group since the start of this year to manage surplus stock from all of its Regional Distribution Centres.

Read more:

Gary Stott, who is the Executive Chairman at Community Shop, added: “We’re incredibly grateful for Aldi’s generosity, as many of our members will feel the impact of the cost of living crisis even more this Christmas, and moments like this will help to spread some Christmas cheer and bring our communities together.”

Featured Image – Aldi

Shopping

Festive Grinch-themed cafes to pop up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Festive Grinch-themed cafes are popping up inside two of Primark’s biggest Greater Manchester stores in the run-up to Christmas.

As the temperatures turn colder by the day, the nights draw in, and the most wonderful time of the year nears closer and closer, it won’t be long before it’s time to snuggle up in our comfies and pop on the first Christmas film of the year – and for some of us, there’s a good chance that first film of choice will be The Grinch.

Whether you prefer the 2000 fantasy comedy starring Jim Carey, or the 2018 animated reboot with Benedict Cumberbatch, it’s undoubtedly a real family favourite.

To celebrate everyone’s favourite grumpy green grouch, Primark has teamed up with Dr. Seuss once again on a Grinch-tastic collaboration.

Festive Grinch-themed cafes have popped up inside Greater Manchester Primark stores / Credit: Supplied

Shoppers can now head to their nearest Primark store to find the largest-ever Grinch collection, with something for the whole family, as well as great gifting options said to be “ideal for getting into the anti-Christmas spirit”.

There’s Grinch pyjamas and slippers for both adults and kids, a Grinch ‘Onesie’ that’s sure to make people green with envy, Grinch drinks cups and mugs, a selection of loungewear and Christmas jumpers for festive dressing, and so much more, as well as whole host of Grinch-inspired outfits and toys for your four-legged friends too.

As part of Primark’s aim to offer affordable choices for everyone, prices for the Grinch collection start at just £1 for accessories, and go up to £24 for adult clothing.

If the return of the Grinch collection wasn’t exciting enough as it is, the all-new Grinch cafes – which are popping up in Primark on Market Street in Manchester city centre, as well as Primark in Trafford Palazzo – are bound to be hit with fans of the furry character.

There’s everything from green waffles and themed milkshakes, to festive toasties, hot drinks, and more on the menu.

With Greater Manchester Grinch cafes set to be open until the end of December, Sarah Jackson – who is the Director of Licensing at Primark, said: “We’re so excited to roll out our amazing cafe experience across a number of our UK locations, bringing a sprinkle of mischief to our customers this festive season.

Read more:

“Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or stocking up on pyjamas and gifts for the whole family, we have everything you need to make it a truly unforgettable Grinch-mas.”

Featured Image – Supplied

Shopping

UK supermarkets urge public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

UK supermarkets are calling on the public for donations as foodbanks brace for a “tough Christmas”.

As the nights begin to draw in, the temperatures drop by the day, and the festive season nears closer, some shocking new research by Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas – with 80% of foodbanks reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children, as well as the elderly.

Because of this, many foodbanks fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities throughout the festive season.

On top of this, almost a third of foodbanks have reported difficulties in recruiting volunteers too.

With only a few weeks to go until Christmas is here, Aldi is among the UK supermarkets calling on its shoppers to help make a difference, by releasing a list of the most in-demand items for donation – with tinned food, festive treats, and breakfast cereals being near the top of the list.

UK supermarkets are urging the public to donate as foodbanks brace for a ‘tough Christmas’ / Credit: Aldi UK

Other items on the list include tea and coffee, juices and soft drinks, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, condiments, UHT milk and more, as well as pet food and non food-related items like toiletries, cleaning products, and children’s toys.

Shoppers can donate items via the community donation points placed near exit points of Aldi stores nationwide, before they will then be distributed to good causes.

The supermarket is pledging to donate more than a million meals to local charities, community groups, and foodbanks across the UK.

“Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need,” explained Luke Emery, who is the National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK.

Read more:

“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”

Featured Image – Aldi UK

More Shopping

Business

The Pop Up Club – pop-up shop for independent retailers to return to Manchester this weekend

PureSeoul is opening a K-Beauty store in Manchester Arndale. Credit: The Manc Group

Manchester

Viral K-Beauty brand Pureseoul is opening a store at Manchester Arndale

Christmas

Aldi reveals date that viral Kevin the Carrot Christmas toys return to UK stores this week

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches