Supermarket donates 39,900 meals to charities in South Tyneside and beyond
‘Families face higher food costs and children who usually receive free school meals may not have the same access to support during the holidays.’
Aldi stores across Tyne & Wear donated 39,900 meals to charities, foodbanks and community organisations throughout the recent school summer holidays.
The donations took the number of meals redistributed by the budget supermarket nationally in 2026 from more than 8.8 million before the school holidays to 10.9 million, which is an increase of 24%.
Aldi, which has branches in Hebburn and South Shields, has worked with Neighbourly since 2019 to redistribute surplus food from its stores to charities and community organisations across the UK. Neighbourly connects businesses with local charities.
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.”
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.”
Shoppers can also donate food and everyday essentials to local charities, foodbanks and community groups through community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
The supermarket also works with Company Shop to redistribute surplus food from its regional distribution centres.