© Getty Images Europe The chain said it wants to do its bit to help those 'less fortunate'

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German discounter Aldi has pledged to give all of its unsold fresh food to charity after stores close on Christmas Eve.



The supermarket chain issued a plea online, calling for organisations across the country to head into stores on December 24 to collect surplus stock.

The company said it wants to share products out with groups such as food banks in support of "less fortunate individuals" in order to "prevent food going to waste".

The supermarket said: "Aldi is offering local organisations the opportunity to receive surplus food from their stores on the afternoon of Christmas Eve.

"As Aldi stores will shut at 4pm on Christmas Eve until December 27, they will have a variety of good quality surplus food products that they will wish to redistribute in support of less fortunate individuals and to prevent food going to waste.

"Aldi is unable to deliver products so it would be essential that your organisation is able to collect.

"They will expect the level of food available to vary, however, estimations of around 20 to 30 crates will be expected from each store."

© Getty There are at least 2,000 foodbanks in the UK, government figures show

The move has earned the store praise from social media users, who urged other big chains to match the gesture.

Rachel Bullock‏ tweeted: "Kudos to Aldi arranging for dispersal of unsold food on Christmas Eve to organisations helping those in need. Let's hope others follow suit. Well done.”"

Paul Skillington added: "Fair play to Aldi for this one. Pity a few more household supermarket’s don’t follow suit. It ought to carry on throughout the year."

Big four grocer, Tesco, has been handing out surplus food to local charities and community groups since February last year.

It also has ties with local food banks - however charities say it's not enough.

© Getty CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 30: Aldi branding seen in an Aldi supermarket on August 30, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Horwood/Getty Images)

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Foodbank provider The Trussell Trust has warned it's bracing for its busiest December on record this year - and fears it won't have enough stock to support those who walk though its doors.

The charity said 186,185 three-day emergency food parcels were provided by food banks to people in crisis last year.

This is 44% higher than the monthly average for the 2018-19 financial year, the charity said.

A few weeks ago, the Trussell Trust released data which showed that April to September 2019 was the busiest half-year period for food banks in its network since the charity opened.

During those six months, 823,145 three-day emergency food parcels were given to people in crisis in the UK, with more than a third of these (301,653) going to children.

To find information on what items of stock are most needed at individual foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s network, click here.

Our Christmas Together Appeal proudly supports Age UK and The Children’s Society who are providing vital services to society’s most vulnerable this festive season. Because no one should feel alone. Together we can make a big difference. Join us here.