A SUPERMARKET is doing its bit to help local charities, community groups, and foodbanks this winter.

Through its Emergency Winter Foodbank Fund, Aldi will donate £250,000 to help organisations in the Borders facing high demand for their services due to the cost-of-living crisis.

The fund is open in partnership with Neighbourly – a platform where businesses can come together to support their communities through volunteering, donations and sharing surplus products – and enables Aldi to donate surplus food all year round from its 980 stores in the UK.

Signage in Borders branches of Aldi will highlight to customers which items are the most in demand from foodbanks as expressed by the organisations.

Along the supermarket's aisles there will be additional markers next to products which are most sought after by foodbanks – such as teabags, sugar, baked beans and toiletries – all of which can be dropped off at donation points after the checkouts.

Liz Fox, Corporate Responsibility Director at Aldi UK, said: “We know that Christmas is already a particularly challenging time for many, but this year is understandably going to be even tougher for a lot of households.

“That’s why we’re more committed than ever to doing what we can to give back.

"We want to make food accessible for all and hope both our additional funding and donation drive will help to make a real difference in the Scottish Borders.”

A recent survey by Neighbourly found that 72 per cent of charities registered with the platform will need more food donations to meet demand this Christmas.

The most in-demand items listed on Neighbourly are cereal, rice, pasta, tinned food, and toiletries.

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The cost-of-living is impacting communities up and down the country and the charities we support are expecting to see demand increase even further over the coming months.

“Without the support of the public and businesses like Aldi we’d be unable to help those in need.

"Within our network there are many charities and community groups that will be able to put this funding to good use, to support families that are struggling.”

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com.