NEW RESEARCH indicates that foodbanks across the south east will be facing their most challenging Christmas yet, due to rising demand and dwindling donations.
According to a survey by community giving platform Neighbourly – which Aldi partners with to distribute surplus food from its stores – 56% of food banks, charities and community causes in the South East are worried about having enough food to support people this Christmas.
The company polled more than 600 food banks nationwide and found that 90% in the South East expect this Christmas to be their busiest yet.
However, the survey also revealed that 76% of food banks in the region have witnessed a drop in donations in recent months – with the fallout of the pandemic and rising cost of living continuing to impact contributions.
And the demand is expected to continue in the new year: the survey revealed that on average, food banks in the South East expect to see a 32% increase over the next three months, with organisations in the area currently supporting an average of 337 people a week.
More than 70% say they’ve already experienced an increase in demand since the summer.
From tinned foods to festive treats and toiletries, the research also revealed a list of the items that are most needed by food banks over the festive period to help guide supporters.
Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in many supermarkets, including Aldi stores. Some go to The Trussell Trust-run banks, and some will be for Readifood, Reading’s food bank, which is independent.
Mary Dunn, managing director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, called for shoppers to make donations this festive season.
She said: “Christmas can be a particularly busy time for the local charities and organisations we support, but this year is set to be more challenging than ever.
“As part of our Christmas campaign with Kevin the Carrot and Marcus Radishford, we have committed to donate 1.8 million meals to good causes in the lead-up to Christmas – and we know that our customers in the South East want to help too. If you feel you are in a position to help, your donation could make all the difference to food banks this Christmas.”
And Steve Butterworth, the CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The findings of our latest survey highlight that the continued impact of the pandemic, combined with increased inflation, is being very much felt by communities up and down the country, with charities and local causes feeling the effects too.
“We’d encourage anyone who is able to give back in the coming weeks to do so.”
Aldi works with Neighbourly to donate surplus food from stores throughout the year.
Top 15 most in-demand items this Christmas
Tinned food
Festive treats
Toiletries
Tea/coffee
Biscuits and snacks
Breakfast cereals
Juices and soft drinks
UHT milk
Laundry and cleaning products
Dry packaged food
Rice and pasta
Gift items
Cooking sauces
Children’s toys, crafts and games
Sanitary items
