A supermarket chain has pledged to donate surplus Christmas food to charities, community groups and food banks across Dorset 

Charities will be able to collect unsold fresh and chilled food products from Aldi stores after they close early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

The food donations are part of Aldi’s partnership with Neighbourly - a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations. 

Last year saw 14,660 meals donated to Dorset charities including Canford heath Community Fridge and Poole Community Exchange.

READ MORE: Aldi 14,600 meals to Dorset charities over festive period

Steve Butterworth, chief executive officer at Neighbourly, said: “Christmas can be a challenging time for some families, and we expect many will depend on the services of local charities this year.

“We’re sure there are lots more groups out there that could use the extra help that businesses like Aldi provide, so we encourage them to sign up.”

Any groups that are interested in collecting unsold food at Christmas that are not currently working with Neighbourly can get in touch with them by emailing aldi@neighbourly.com by Friday, November 8

Customers also have the opportunity to donate any food or household products to local causes all year round through community donation points in all Aldi stores.