OVER 6,500 meals were donated by supermarket Aldi to local charities over the Christmas period for people in need.

After stores closed on December 24 the supermarket gave unsold fresh and chilled food to local charities, community groups and food banks.

The donation is Aldi’s largest to date and helped nine charitable causes in Buckinghamshire at a time when more people are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity due to Covid-19.

There were around 210 tonnes of food donated throughout the entirety of the UK with more than 500,000 meals donated and over 750 UK causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

Luke Peech, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We’re proud to support good causes in Buckinghamshire this festive period, helping them to provide fresh and filling meals over the Christmas period.

“The feedback has been overwhelming and we’re really pleased to have extended the initiative, so we can do what we can for those in need within the community in what was an incredibly tough year for so many.”

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “Sadly, this festive season has been the busiest on record for the nation’s charities and food banks.

 “I’m sure Aldi’s donation has been a lifeline for many.”