Aldi has announced an ambitious plan to provide one million meals to families in need throughout 2026. This initiative builds on a successful pilot program from 2025, during which the discount supermarket chain donated 455,000 meals in collaboration with the charity, The Bread and Butter Thing. The expansion of this partnership aims to address food insecurity while reducing waste by redistributing surplus food.
The program is set to deliver an additional 1.2 million meals to families facing financial challenges this year. Aldi’s suppliers will contribute products that cannot be sold in stores due to packaging damage or labelling errors, yet remain perfectly safe and nutritious for consumption. Following the positive results from the initial pilot at three Regional Distribution Centres, Aldi plans to extend this initiative to all remaining centres across the UK.
Partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing
The Bread and Butter Thing is recognized as the UK’s largest member-based food redistribution charity. It operates mobile food clubs that serve communities from Maidstone to Northumberland, offering members access to fresh, affordable food. This partnership with Aldi is designed to meet the growing demand for affordable food support in many areas of the country.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, emphasized the significance of this initiative in reducing waste. He stated, “Expanding this initiative across all of our Regional Distribution Centres marks an important step in how we reduce waste and continue to support our communities. Through our partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing, we’re ensuring that even more surplus food is redirected to families who need it most, rather than going to waste.”
Vic Harper, CEO of The Bread and Butter Thing, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the ongoing need for access to affordable food. He remarked, “Demand for fresh, affordable food support remains high in many communities, and this partnership plays an important role in helping us meet that need. Surplus food that might otherwise go to waste is instead helping families stretch their budgets and access nutritious essentials. We’re pleased to be working with Aldi to grow this impact across more communities.”
Aldi’s commitment to sustainability and community support highlights the supermarket’s ongoing efforts to combat food waste while simultaneously addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The rollout of this initiative is expected to create a significant positive impact on families across the UK, reinforcing the importance of corporate responsibility in the food retail sector.
As the cost of living continues to rise, such initiatives become increasingly critical in supporting families who may struggle to afford basic necessities. Aldi’s proactive approach serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can contribute to social welfare while promoting sustainability.
