A supermarket has donated over 14,000 meals to those in need in Dorset over the festive period.

Aldi worked with local charities, community groups and food banks in the area to collect unsold fresh and chilled food from stores after closing early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

This year a total of 14,660 meals have been donated. Dorset charities benefiting include Canford heath Community Fridge and Poole Community Exchange.

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 are so proud to work with such amazing charity partners throughout the UK and the impact they have cannot be underestimated, especially during the winter months when their services are needed more than ever.

“We are pleased that through our partnership with both Neighbourly and Company Shop we have been able to give back to the communities we serve by providing more donations than ever this Christmas.”

 Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “We’re pleased to have supported Aldi once again during what is often one of the busiest periods for our charities. Large donations like Aldi’s allow us to provide vital support to communities across the country who would otherwise miss out.”