Aldi will donate food to charities, community groups and food banks in Essex this Christmas.

The supermarket pledges to donate 10 million meals this year to families across the UK facing hunger.

The retailer wants to ensure that any products approaching the end of their shelf life reach Essex families who might otherwise miss out this Christmas.

Donations include fresh and chilled food products – including fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish and bread – ahead of stores closing on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Charities, food banks and community groups in Essex who could benefit from the scheme are encouraged to get in touch and register for donations.

Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our food donations scheme operates year-round, but we know that Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for the families and communities we support.

“That’s why we are so committed to increasing the number of meals we donate over the festive season, and we look forward to working with local charities in Essex this Christmas to help us meet our 10 million meals target for the year.”

Those interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact them at aldichristmas@neighbourly.com before December 5.