Oldham Foodbank was one of a handful of charities across Greater Manchester which received meals from Aldi to help those in need over the festive period.

The supermarket giant donated 55,830 meals to local charities, community groups and food banks in the region, giving away unsold fresh and chilled food when stores closed their doors early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

Charities that benefitted from the initiative include Oldham Foodbank as well as Wythenshawe Foodbank.  

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to The Oldham Times’ morning and evening newsletters as well as our breaking news alerts 

The news comes as Oldham Foodbank revealed its eyewatering figures for 2023 earlier this week, which showed almost 30,000 people received food parcels - a four-year-high record.

The donations are part of Aldi's successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations.

Beyond the Christmas period, Aldi UK stores donate surplus food to good causes every day with more than 40 million meals donated since its partnership with Neighbourly began in 2019.

Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket also partnered with Company Shop Group this Christmas to provide up to 2,000 meals at its Community Kitchens across the country in the run-up to Christmas.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “We are so proud to work with such amazing charity partners throughout the UK and the impact they have cannot be underestimated, especially during the winter months when their services are needed more than ever.

“We are pleased that through our partnership with both Neighbourly and Company Shop we have been able to give back to the communities we serve by providing more donations than ever this Christmas.”

Steve Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer at Neighbourly, added: “We’re pleased to have supported Aldi once again during what is often one of the busiest periods for our charities.

"Large donations like Aldi’s allow us to provide vital support to communities across the country who would otherwise miss out.” 

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.