Aldi has offered to give all its unsold fresh food away to charities and good causes when its stores close on Christmas Eve.
The supermarket chain issued an appeal on social media urging organisations across the country to collect items left over after its branches have shut up shop for the festive period.
A statement issued by the firm says it wants to share products out with groups such as food banks in support of “less fortunate individuals” in order to “prevent food going to waste”.
The supermarket said: “Aldi is offering local organisations the opportunity to receive surplus food from their stores on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.
“As Aldi stores will shut at 4pm on Christmas Eve until December 27, they will have a variety of good quality surplus food products that they will wish to redistribute in support of less fortunate individuals and to prevent food going to waste.
“Aldi is unable to deliver products so it would be essential that your organisation is able to collect.
“They will expect the level of food available to vary, however, estimations of around 20 to 30 crates will be expected from each store.”
The move has earned the store praise from social media users, who urged other big chains to match the gesture.
11 show all Least ethical supermarkets
1/11 11) The Co-operative With an 11.0 rating, the Co-op comes out as the most ethical supermarket
2/11 10) M&S At 10, Marks and Spencer is relatively high Rex
3/11 9) Ocado Delivery service Ocado's motto is "quality food that doesn't cost the earth"
4/11 8) Waitrose Waitrose was the 4th most ethical on the list
5/11 7) Aldi Aldi surprisingly beat some of its up-market rivals
6/11 6) Sainsburys Sainsburys received a score of 9 for environmental ethics Rex
7/11 5) Morrisons Morrisons is the 5th least ethical supermarket in Britian AP
8/11 4) Tesco was the 4th least ethical, with an environmental score of 7
9/11 3) Iceland Iceland was the third least ethical
10/11 2) Lidl Lidl was Britain's second most unethical supermarket for its impact on the environment and its reputation for throwing away unused food.
11/11 1) Asda Asda is the least ethical, Ethical Consumer added: "In most cases your local independent grocery or wholefood shop will be the most ethical place to shop."
Rachel Bullock tweeted: “Kudos to Aldi arranging for dispersal of unsold food on Christmas Eve to organisations helping those in need. Let's hope others follow suit. Well done.”
Paul Skillington added: “Fair play to Aldi for this one. Pity a few more household supermarket’s don’t follow suit. It ought to carry on throughout the year.”
One of Aldi’s competitors, Tesco, has handed out surplus food from its stores to local charities and community groups since February last year.
Organisations interested receiving leftover food have until December 8 to apply by emailing: [email protected] or contacting Aldi’s UK head office on: 01827 711800.
PM_ME_YOUR_TATER_TOT on December 2nd, 2017 at 17:45 UTC »
I used to be in charge of carrying out the numerous 50 gal trash bags full of deli items, donuts and bread at Mariano’s grocery store. It sucked
misatou on December 2nd, 2017 at 17:22 UTC »
All supermarkets should do this all the time and it shouldn't be a big "oh, look at our corporate responsibility level" marketing tool.
SouthSouthLondon on December 2nd, 2017 at 16:25 UTC »
As all supermarkets should do when they have unsold, almost-expiring food all year round.
Edit: for anyone replying “this can’t be done, it’s too idealistic.” Tesco and Morrisons in the UK already donate all of their unsold food. And I know others do too.
Edit2: based on replies: France made it illegal for stores to throw away food. Germany donates food. Trader Joes in America seems to be a name people keep referring to State-side who do this. Big up people 👍
Edit3: this scout leader (just replied to me but I am linking for exposure) can contact Tescos and explain his group are going away and if they have enough “dead stock” they will even donate to the Scouts.
Edit4: for the person that gave me gold, thank you, in return I have got you a JPG of Bucky O’Hare
Edit5: Now that I have profitted (gold) from talking about the importance of sharing, redistribution and ultimately socialism, I feel like I should back it up. I am going to buy some food and donate it to my local food bank.