Charities and community organisations across Falkirk have been urged to sign up to Aldi’s food donation scheme ahead of the Christmas period.

The discount supermarket runs a year-round food donation programme in partnership with award-winning giving platform Neighbourly, but with stores closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, local charities are being urged to sign up ahead of the festive season.

Aldi works with the giving platform to redistribute food from its stores to charities nationwide. This year alone, the supermarket has donated more than 15 million meals across the UK. Participating groups are then paired with their nearest store to collect food for people needing support in their communities.

Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: “At Christmas, local charities, food banks and community groups are working harder than ever to support people in their area, and we want to make sure good food reaches those who need it most.

“If customers know a brilliant local group that could benefit, we’d encourage them to spread the word and ask them to get in touch with Neighbourly, so we can get even more surplus food into local communities this festive season.”

Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO, said: “At Neighbourly, we see first-hand how important local food donations are for the charities and community groups supporting people through winter.

“We’d encourage any local good causes that could benefit to get in touch, so we can connect them with nearby Aldi stores and help good food reach people in their communities.”

Charities and community groups in the Falkirk area can register by emailing [email protected].