Aldi has announced that it will be supporting local charities, foodbanks and community groups across the UK with its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund this Christmas.

The supermarket’s Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund will see it donate £250,000 to help organisations as they prepare to face heightened demand for their services as the cost of living continues to rise.

The fund builds on Aldi’s successful partnership with community engagement platform Neighbourly which enables all of Aldi’s 980 UK stores to donate surplus food seven days a week, all year round.

READ MORE: Watch Aldi's Christmas advert as Kevin the Carrot faces a Christmas 'Home Alone'

Aldi will also be introducing new signage in stores this Christmas to help highlight to customers the most in-demand items at foodbanks, as selected by the organisations themselves.

How to donate to Aldi foodbanks?

From early December, shoppers looking to donate to foodbanks should look out for the logo on shelves by certain items, such as Baked Beans, Teabags and Toiletries, which can then be dropped at the food donation points located by Aldi’s checkouts.

South Wales Argus: Aldi announces emergency foodbank fund to support charities in need this ChristmasAldi announces emergency foodbank fund to support charities in need this Christmas (Image: Canva)

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know that Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many, but this year is understandably going to be even tougher for a lot of households.

“That’s why we’re more committed than ever to doing what we can to give back. We want to make food accessible for all and hope both our additional funding and donation drive will help to make a real difference.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living is impacting communities up and down the country and the charities we support are expecting to see demand increase even further over the coming months.

“Without the support of the public and businesses like Aldi we’d be unable to help those in need. Within our network there are many charities and community groups that will be able to put this funding to good use, to support families that are struggling.”

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com.