Aldi launches free £50 voucher scheme to help with summer holiday costs

The summer holidays can increase household spending, particularly when food, childcare and activities all need to be factored into the budget.

To help with some of those extra costs, Aldi is bringing back its Summer Support Scheme, giving families the chance to receive £50 vouchers throughout the school holidays.

The supermarket will give away more than £3,000 worth of vouchers across July and August, with one winner selected each day of the school holidays.

Families can use the vouchers on whatever they need most, from groceries and household essentials to summer treats.

Why the summer holidays can put pressure on family budgets

For many families, the six-week summer break is one of the most expensive times of the year.

Food bills often rise when children are at home during the day, while spending on activities, days out and transport can quickly add up. Working parents may also face additional childcare costs, with holiday clubs and childcare schemes often costing hundreds of pounds over the course of the summer.

Families whose children receive free school meals can feel the impact particularly strongly, as they lose access to support they would usually receive during term time.

Even small day-to-day expenses can make a difference. Extra snacks, lunches, drinks and higher energy use at home can all increase household spending over the school holidays.

How Aldi's Summer Support Scheme works

As part of the scheme, Aldi will give away a £50 voucher every day throughout the school holidays.

Families can spend the vouchers on whatever they need most, whether that's stocking up on food, buying household essentials or helping cover some of the additional costs that come with the summer break.

To apply, shoppers need to submit their name and email address to Aldi via the Summer Support Scheme email address.

The initiative returns for a second year following its launch in 2025 and forms part of Aldi's wider efforts to support families with the cost of everyday essentials.

Other help that may be available this summer

The Aldi scheme isn't the only support available to families during the school holidays.

Many local councils run Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes, which provide free activities and meals for eligible children during school breaks.

Some households may also be able to access support through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, depending on where they live and their circumstances. Local charities, community groups and food banks may also offer help with food and other essentials during the summer months.

Checking what support is available locally before the holidays begin can help families make the most of any assistance they may be entitled to.

Ways to keep summer costs down

The school holidays don't have to mean spending lots of money.

Many councils, libraries and community organisations run free or low-cost events throughout the summer. Parks, museums and local attractions often host family activities, while some restaurants and cafés offer discounted or free meals for children during the holidays.

Planning meals in advance, making use of free local activities and setting a budget for days out can also help keep spending under control.