Aldi’s Newark store is now donating surplus food to women’s group Butterflies by Alive Newark and The Salvation Army.

CHARITIES in Newark are getting a helping hand from Aldi's local store.

Aldi’s Newark store is now donating surplus food directly to two local groups that redistribute supplies to those most in need in the area - women’s group Butterflies by Alive Newark and The Salvation Army, which supports homeless and vulnerable people living locally.

Aldi has paired up a total of 21 stores in Nottinghamshire with local good causes that are now collecting surplus food up to five days a week. The new partnerships follow on from a successful trial between the supermarket and community engagement platform, Neighbourly.

Each store is donating perishable items such as fresh fruit and veg, long life items and baked goods.

Butterflies Butterflies is open to all women and provides friendship and support, such as home style pampering including facials, manicures and massages, as well as plenty of tea, coffee and cake.

The Aldi donations will also be shared with Toddle in, also on a Tuesday morning, and Impact, on a Monday night, where a meal is provided for the homeless and people with addictions.

Penny Gault, who runs the Butterflies group, said: "There is no charge for anything at Butterflies, so any thing that is donated that can be used while pampering will give our guests a relaxing afternoon, as well as tea, coffee, biscuits and cake

"It's wonderful that Aldi are able to help in this way. We are so grateful."

The trial began in January 2019, and following its success, was rolled out across Aldi’s entire store estate, and expects to increase this by 50 per cent now the trial has been extended to its 827 stores.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We’re always looking for new and creative ways to increase the amount of food we are able to donate. This partnership is enabling us to distribute even more surplus stock, while supporting a vast range of good causes, across Nottinghamshire.

“Our aim is for fresh, healthy food to be accessible for everyone, and Neighbourly are helping us to extend this commitment beyond our affordable range of fresh products.”

Any local charities in Newark looking to partner up with an Aldi store should email aldi@neighbourly.com to apply.