Aldi to give away 500,000 meals this Easter

This Easter, Aldi is expecting to extend it’s support to those in need by donating more than half a million meals during the holidays.

 Usually, Aldi  pairs its UK stores with local charities, community groups, and food banks to collect unsold fresh and chilled food year-round.

 But during the Easter holidays this year, it expects almost two-thirds of these to be donated to causes solely focused on supporting families.

The food donations are part of Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.  

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know that the school holidays can be a particularly challenging time for families, and food banks regularly see heightened demand.

 “By working with such amazing charities through our partnership Neighbourly, we are able to give back to the communities we serve year-round and hope to provide more food donations at Easter than ever this year.”

Help with essential costs

While this is positive news, it won’t have an immediate effect. If you’re struggling right now, there are a few ways we may be able to help. We can check you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to and offer support with budgeting. We also provide free expert advice if you’re no longer able to keep up with repayments on loans, credit cards, overdrafts etc. There are a number of ways you can get in touch.

You can also check whether you’re entitled to any grants. Enter your details in the Turn2us grant checker and see if there are any you can apply for.

Your local council may have a welfare assistance scheme to help if you need emergency cash or supplies. The support available varies from council to council, but you may be able to get a small loan, a grant, food vouchers or free second-hand furniture, depending on your situation.

England: Get in touch with your local council.

Scotland: Find out if you can apply for a crisis grant or a community care grant through the Scottish welfare fund.

Wales: You might be able to apply for help through the discretionary assistance fund.

Northern Ireland: You may be able to apply for help through the Finance Support Service.

 Household support fund has been extended

 All local councils in England have been given money as part of a government scheme called the household support fund. This money has been set aside to help people struggling with the rising cost of living. Each council decides how best to spend that money, but it’s there to help with essentials such as:

• gas and electricity
• broadband and phone bills
• clothing
• essential transport costs such as repairing a car or paying for fuel
• furniture e.g. children’s beds

Get in touch with your local council to find out what support is available in your area. This scheme was due to end in March, but has been extended for another six months.