Two of the big supermarkets in the UK are already making some plans for December.
Tesco said it will be looking to recruit more than 11,000 temporary colleagues to help online deliveries and store replenishment during the Christmas period, both in its Superstores and Extra stores.
Aldi meanwhile is calling on charities, community groups and food banks to register to receive surplus food donations this Christmas Eve.
Aldi donated nearly 450,000 meals to good causes throughout the UK during the season last year, and expects to increase that for Christmas 2020. The meals will support those in need at a time when more households are going through financial hardship and food insecurity because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our Christmas food donations scheme plays a big role in supporting those in need during the festive period and is something we are very passionate about,” said Luke Peech, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK. “This is our fourth year running the initiative and we look forward to working with local charities once again.”
Aldi plans to lean on a successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community engagement platform that links businesses to food banks and charities and currently donates surplus food seven days a week for Aldi’s stores.
Charities will be paired with local Aldi stores and can collect fresh and chilled food products that are near the end of their shelf life – including fruits and vegetables – ahead of stores closing on Christmas Eve.
“Sadly, charities and local causes are expecting record demand for their services this Christmas,” Steve Butterworth from Neighbourly, said. “We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could put the food to good use, so we’d encourage them to get in touch.”
Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at [email protected] before 7th December 2020. Organisations do not need to be a registered charity to apply but must:
- Have a level two hygiene certificate gained in the last two years
- Be able to transport and store chilled food products after collecting them on Christmas Eve at 5pm
