Raise a dram to Robert Burns in style at The Ivy on the Square, where guests will be treated to a limited-edition menu featuring some traditional Scottish favourites with an Ivy twist.
On Tuesday, 25 January, diners can enjoy a good helping of Scottish cuisine with classic Burns Night dishes, including a Haggis Neeps and Tatties Shepherd’s Pie, and the regular favourite Oatmeal-rolled Lathallan Haggis Bon Bons. For those with a sweet tooth, the menu also features a Hazelnut Praline Parfait.
Additional themed cocktails will be available alongside entertainment that will pay tribute to Robert Burns and his work. Get ready for some poetry, pipes and drams!
Cocktails include My Love Is Like a Red, Red, Rose (£9.75) a whisky lover’s twist on the classic Bramble cocktail with Highland Park 12 Year Old Whisky, lemon juice, sugar and a float of Crème de Mure; and My Heart Is In The Highlands (£12.75) a wonderfully indulgent champagne cocktail with Highland Park 12 Year Old Whisky, Grand Marnier & The Ivy Champagne poured carefully over a sugar cube soaked in Angostura Bitters.
To view the full menu and make a reservation, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com
Two million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and five million Christmas puddings. Sounds like a feast fit for a small nation? Well that’s the estimated number of otherwise edible festive food items that ended up in landfill this Christmas in the UK – and that’s not even taking into account things like vegetables, cheeses and unwanted party food that found their way to the bin.
In fact, a UK survey in 2021 revealed that over 45 per cent of people admitted to buying too much food over Christmas* with cheese, biscuits and chocolate coming out as the most overbought products. But with government figures showing that the amount of household food waste collected by local authorities across the UK rose by 11% to 485 thousand tonnes**, food waste isn’t just a Yuletide problem.
It’s also not just down to us as consumers, as food industry expert Hannah Anderson, Managing Director of ethical online food retailer 44 Foods explains: “Many of us would have seen first hand the supermarket shelves this Christmas Eve, still piled high with turkeys, vegetables and other perishable items that sadly, would likely have ended up in landfill.
“It’s a particularly sobering thought when you consider that five million people in the UK are living in food poverty.
“The major food retailers are an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to reducing food waste and as we’ve seen with the likes of Morrisons and their decision to remove use by dates from its milk bottles, steps are being made in the right direction.
“More support for UK producers is crucial too. Behind each item of wasted food is the wasted time, money and effort of a producer and with so many across the farming industry struggling, they need our support more than ever.”
But there’s plenty that we as consumers can do too, Hannah, who has worked in the food buying industry for over 20 years says. “As a consumer, shopping more mindfully is one of the biggest ways to reduce food waste.
“Part of that is spending more and buying less. With the cost of living on the rise, that might seem counterproductive, but spending slightly more on quality products and buying only what you need to buy can actually save you money in the long-run as you won’t be throwing as much of your hard earned cash straight into the bin at the end of every week.
“Swapping those big name retailers for smaller, local producers can make a huge difference. Supermarkets by their nature deal in bulk, meaning that you often have little choice but to overbuy, especially when it comes to things like vegetables or meat products. They also reel you in with the promise of cheaper prices by buying more than you really need.
“Buying your food straight from the farm can not only give you a better quality product but it also gives you more control over the amounts that you’re buying so the fridge won’t be full of stuff you’ll never get around to using.
“It also means that what you’re buying is as fresh as it possibly can be without first having been wrapped in plastic and sat in an industrial chiller for days.”
You won’t need to don your wellies or make a trip to the farm shop either, Hannah explains.
“Sites like 44 Foods give you access to producers across the UK – think of it like a nationwide farm shop that lets you pick and choose ethically homegrown produce which is then delivered to your door.
“We also don’t do next day delivery which means that everything you order is at it’s very best when it reaches you. We even do bundles which means that whether you’re cooking a Sunday roast or a weekday meal, we’ll pull together everything you need, in the right quantities, and all you need to do is the cooking.”
So, when it comes to reducing food waste, it’s about shopping smaller, shopping smarter and focusing your food budget where it really matters.
With Burns Night fast approaching wild flavour innovators Buck & Birch felt it was a great time to share possibly the most indulgent and decadent Burn’s supper recipes going – The Forager’s Haggis!
A Burn’s Supper would traditionally consist of Haggis, neeps and tatties but head chef, master forager and flavour expert at Buck & Birch, Rupert Waites has elevated the dish with foraged ingredients, wild game and a mound of sweet, sticky, braised red cabbage made with a generous glug of Buck & Birch’s award-winning elderberry liqueur, Aleder Elixir.
This recipe may seem a little daunting to make from scratch, but a butcher bought haggis will work just fine but don’t forget the Aleder Elixir braised cabbage – it makes all the difference!
FOR THE HAGGIS
Beef bung for stuffing
500g toasted pinhead oatmeal
200g of well cared for, organic, minced pork fat or belly.
1.4kg wild game pluck (heart, lungs liver), ½ diced, ½ minced
500g of mixed wild game trimmings
100g finely diced onion
3 cloves of garlic chopped fine
1.5 litres game stock
SEASONING
6g juniper berries
6g dried coriander seed
2g ground mace
6g cracked black pepper
6g fresh thyme
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt to taste
METHOD
Toast the oatmeal and set aside. In a large pan fry the onion, garlic and dried spices until onions are translucent before adding the meat and browning for 5 minutes (some prefer to cook the meat first but this method keeps the finished haggis more juicy).
Add the oatmeal and ½ the stock and keep stirring, adding the remainder of the stock gradually until the oatmeal is al dente. Once done, season with lemon juice, fresh thyme and salt to taste.
Let the haggis cool before spooning the mixture into the soaked, rinsed ox bung. Be aware the filling swells as it cooks, so pack quite loosely, and keep a little bung at each end. When the haggis is the size required, expel any extra air, pinch, tie with string and cut with scissors.
Tie the new end of the bung, and continue stuffing. Freeze any spare haggises.
To cook the final haggis poach gently at about 83 deg c for half an hour to 45 minutes.
FOR THE AELDER BRAISED CABBAGE
1 small red cabbage
1 sliced red onion
70g soft light brown sugar
70ml cider vinegar
100 ml Aelder elixir
One large knob of butter
Sprigs of thyme
METHOD
Quarter the red cabbage and remove the core, then finely shred. Tip into a large pan with the red onion, brown sugar, cider vinegar, Aelder Elixir, thyme and butter and season well.
Bring to a simmer, then cover with a lid, lower the heat and cook for 1 1/ 2 hrs, stirring every so often.
Remove the lid and continue cooking for 30 mins until tender and the liquid is reduced and glossy .
To help Scot’s mark one of the most celebrated days in the calendar, Aldi Scotland has unveiled its Burns Night Specialbuy range, which includes Macaulay’s haggis for just 99p.
Available at all 102 Scottish stores from 13th January, Scots are guaranteed unbeatable bargains on all essential food and drink in honour of the country’s foremost poet.
Those looking for quality products at a fraction of the price will not be disappointed as Aldi Scotland’s everyday haggis range has both the traditional fare and a vegetarian option available for only 99p (offer available 13th – 25th Jan). While Simon Howie’s Gluten Free Haggis makes sure no one is left out of the fun for just £1.99.
The supermarket, which was awarded Multiple Fruit and Vegetable Retailer of the Year 2021 by the Fresh Produce Consortium, will also be launching an exclusive Burns Supper Super Six veg offering, complete with tatties, neeps and all the trimmings supplied by local producers from just 35p.
Customers looking for the perfect centrepiece to their Burns Night celebrations, can pick up a Specially Selected Chieftain Haggis for only £2.99 and no celebration would be complete without ‘tak’ing a cup of kindness’ and with multi award-winning Glen Marnoch 12 year-old Speyside Single Malt reduced to just £17.99 (offer available 13th – 25th Jan) Aldi has all the essentials covered.
Not a fan of the ‘Great chieftain o the puddin’-race’? No problem, Aldi Scotland has a fantastic range of both traditional and unique Scottish products available, including Punjab Pakora’s Iron Brew Pakora (£1.79) which is back on shelves due to popular demand.
And those looking for a twist on Scotland’s national dish are spoilt for choice with Punjab Pakora’s Haggis Pakora (£1.49), Curried Haggis Bites by Simon Howie (£1.99) and Bell’s Steak and Haggis Pie (£2.99) all included in the retailer’s Best of Scotland range.
Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Burns Night is our chance to celebrate everything which is great about Scotland, and this year our Burns Night range has something for everyone.
“As well as offering great prices on classic dishes, we are offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as some more unique Scots’ products like Iron Brew Pakora and Curried Haggis Bites.
“In 2021 we continued to underline our commitment to Scottish suppliers and produce, supplying over 450 Scottish products from over 90 local suppliers to our shoppers. We are now pleased to be kicking of 2022 by once again working with so many of our long-standing suppliers in Scotland to offer our customers a fantastic range of products.”
Enterprises applauded for their work to balance people, planet and profit
Forward-thinking food-related businesses across Scotland are proving it is possible to face a pandemic, start a new enterprise and operate sustainably to help protect the planet.
And the best have just been named as the latest #FoodHeroScotchampions for their dedication to doing things differently, effecting positive change and promoting sustainability.
Nominated by the public, they include Edinburgh Food Social, Mossgiel Organic Farm in Ayrshire, Re:Store in Lossiemouth and Ethic Earth based in Fife.
Launched last year by Medialiciously and its partners, #FoodHeroScot is a visual story-telling campaign aimed at putting sustainability at the heart of Scotland’s recovering post-pandemic food and drink industry and creating a platform for the country’s hospitality businesses.
The non-profit campaign, which is supported by STV’s £1m Green Fund, awards its champions an in-kind support package, including marketing and PR, worth over £25,000 to highlight the sustainability efforts of the successful brands.
It includes ten powerful mini documentaries on businesses or social enterprises shared on the #FoodHeroScot website and spotlighted through a media campaign delivered by STV.
It is also supported by leading Scots business figures including: Alan Mahon, Founder of Brewgooder; Nick Nairn, Owner of Nairns Ltd; Carina Contini, Director at Victor & Carina Contini; Karis Gill, Co-Founder of Social Stories Club andLoral Quinn, CEO of Sustainably.
Commenting on the latest #FoodHeroScot awards, Lee Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Medialiciously and key founder of #FoodHeroScot said: “It’s a real joy to see that there are so many inventive businesses determined to change the ways things are done and create a new, sustainable future.
“It’s never been more important to operate more ethically and responsibly and fantastic things are being achieved all over the country. Our latest winners illustrate how all sorts of businesses can contribute to the campaign.”
Edinburgh Food Socialis a social enterprise teaching young people and communities about local, seasonal food through hands-on cookery classes, workshops, school projects and community meals.
It focuses on improving the life chances of people facing poverty and their free meals are produced using food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Kirsty Haigh, head of Edinburgh Food Social, said: “Winning this public vote is an honour for us but the truth is we never had any choice. We work in some of the communities who were worst hit by the pandemic and sitting back and letting people go hungry was never an option.
“We are determined to bring healthy, sustainable, delicious food to everyone who needs it in Edinburgh, and winning this award will help us continue to do that.”
Mossgiel Organic Farm, in Mauchline, Ayrshire, exists to be the sustainable choice in dairy and emblazons its vans with the motto: ‘Changing Dairy, for a sustainable future’
Bryce Cunningham from Mossgiel Organic Farm said: “We have an ambition to be net zero by December 2025 which we will be doing through the use of renewable technology, using organic grazing management for our cattle and, along with the farmers who supply us, regenerating our soils to sequestrate carbon into them.
“We have also been 100% single-use plastic free since January 2019 and we currently 50% of our delivery vehicles are 100% electric. Winning the support from this award will allow us to tell more people of our story, deliver more value to people in all areas of our supply chain whilst showing the world that Scottish Organic Dairy can be truly sustainable, natural and ethical.”
Re:Storein Lossiemouth is Moray’s zero wate refill shop, offering an alternative to supermarket shopping, and is owned by Alison Ruickbie.
Alison says: “I opened the shop as a result of not being able to find plastic/packaging free products locally. I carry out extensive research before stocking a product to ensure its sustainable and ethical.
“My suppliers and food producers all share my ethos and brand values. I use suppliers who operate a circular/loop system – when their 20 litre containers are empty, I send a pallet back to be refilled and reused. I believe there is no point in me saving a few 500ml bottles if I then must recycle a huge 20 litre one.
“No one individual can live a perfect zero waste life but if lots of people do a little bit toward reducing waste, we can make a huge difference together.”
Ethic Earth is a multi-cause ethical directory aimed at easily making available a wide range of ethical options to consumers who might otherwise invest in less ethical products, services or food. It also offers eco-conscious and humane companies globally the chance to showcase their businesses to the world.
Founder Mia Calder says: “We are a brand-new company and only launched in May 2021. I am currently funding the company out of my own pocket while working full-time and raising my daughter on my own.
“It is a very daunting task and I do not have the finances to market Ethic Earth to its full potential. Being seen and supported by established and respected platforms such as Food Hero Scot and its media partners will make a huge difference to let businesses and consumers alike become aware of what we are all about.”
To find out more about supporting the green recovery of the industry or for more details on how to nominate businesses in the food and drink sector, visit:
Morrisons has launched a new vegan range, Plant Revolution, to help make vegan food tastier and more accessible than ever before this January.
The 50-strong range features a wide variety of products that offer bold flavours, vibrant colours and are loaded with plant-based goodness. Plant Revolution will include everything from fresh ready meals and on-the-go sandwich options to luxurious starters and decadent sweet treats.
The range was developed by Morrisons own chefs in response to feedback from customers who said they were looking for easier ways to adopt a vegan diet. It’s designed to appeal to both vegan and non-vegan customers looking to include more plant-based options in their diet.
· Plant Revolution No Chicken Shawarma Flatbread, 179g – £2.75
Prices start from as little as £1, making it easier than ever for those on a budget to shop vegan.
According to The Food Standards Agency, over 1 in 10 people in the UK now follow a vegan or vegetarian diet* including celebrities like Lewis Hamilton, Ellie Goulding, Benedict Cumberbatch, Gemma Atkinson and Ricky Gervais. Others like Laura Whitmore have been outspoken on trying to cut down on meat and incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
Since its inception in 2014, over 2 million people have signed up to take part in Veganuary. Of the 582,000 who signed up to the campaign in 2021, it is estimated that 30% were still eating a fully vegan diet six months on from the campaign and more than half (52%) were eating at least 50% less meat and animal products than the previous year**.
Emily Bell, Plant Revolution Brand Manager at Morrisons, said: “We want our customers to enjoy eating well, no matter what diet they choose to follow.
“For part-time plant eaters, fully fledged flexitarians and the purely plant-based, our new Plant Revolution range delivers the bold and exciting flavours we know they’re looking for, and we’re excited to hear what people think of it.”
Toni Vernelli, International Head of Communications and Marketing at Veganuary, said: “We’re thrilled to see Morrisons adding so many exciting options to their vegan range and helping to make delicious plant-based eating accessible and affordable for everyone.”
Morrisons Plant Revolution range is available in stores nationwide now.
New Better Health campaign launches today to help families eat better, with new NHS Food Scanner App feature offering healthier alternatives
Former ‘Girls Aloud’ member Nadine Coyle, dietician Dr Linia Patel and a Netmums family test the app in a new film supporting the campaign
60% of parents say they are giving their children more sugary or fatty snacks than before the pandemic
Families will be given support to help to improve the diets of their children through a new campaign as the new statistics reveal the number of parents giving unhealthy snacks to their children has increased during the pandemic.
The multimedia Better Health campaign has been launched today [Monday January 10] to encourage families to eat better and includes a new ‘scan, swipe and swap’ feature for the NHS Food Scanner App, which provides a simple solution to help families maintain a healthier diet.
The campaign follows a record rise in obesity amongst children since the start of the pandemic, with latest data highlighting that one in four (27.7%) children of reception school age are overweight or obese; this rises to 4 in 10 (40.9%) in Year 6 (ages 10-11). Evidence shows that families purchased food more during lockdowns and this remained above normal levels even once lockdowns ended.
A new survey conducted with Netmums showed that nearly 6 in 10 (58%) parents give their children more sugary or fatty snacks than before the pandemic and nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents said they often worry about how healthy their children’s snacks really are. Nearly 90% of parents said they would benefit from an App which would help them make healthier choices for their children.
Families can scan the product barcodes from their shop and the app will suggest healthier alternatives to help them make an easy swap next time they shop.
The app uses a “Good Choice” badge to help signpost people to healthier food and drinks in line with the government’s dietary recommendations for added sugar, saturated fat and salt.
Public Health Minister Maggie Throup said: “We know that families have felt a lot of pressure throughout the pandemic which has drastically changed habits and routines.
“The new year is a good time for making resolutions, not just for ourselves, but for our families. Finding ways to improve their health is one of the best resolutions any of us could make.
“By downloading the free NHS Food Scanner App, families can swap out foods from the weekly shop for healthier alternatives and avoid items high in salt, sugar and saturated fat.”
Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at DHSC said: “We are all aware of the increased pressures families have been under throughout the pandemic with children being stuck at home more.
“With advertising promoting unhealthy foods to kids, it’s not surprising that parents say they’ve often found it hard to resist pestering from their children for more unhealthy snacks, and that is why the NHS Food Scanner App is a great tool to help families make quick and easy healthier swaps.
“It’s so important that children reduce the amount of sugary, fatty and salty foods they eat to help them stay healthy and reduce the risk of health problems such as diabetes and tooth decay.”
‘Girls Aloud’ member Nadine Coyle and dietician Dr Linia Patel met with a family to talk about eating habits and to trial the NHS Food Scanner App for themselves, and recorded a short film to support the campaign.
Nadine Coyle said: “As a busy working mum, I find it hard to say no to my kid’s demands and often give in to “snack” pressure – even though I know it’s not that good for them. I had no idea some foods were so high in sugar, saturated fat and salt – so it’s great that the App gives you alternatives.
“I love using the NHS Food Scanner App and so does my daughter; she likes choosing the healthier swaps which is great – we are already making small changes through good food choices.”
Dr Linia Patel, Dietician said: “We know that parents find it really hard to find healthier snacks for their kids, especially if they’re fussy eaters.
“The NHS Food Scanner App is a fun way to get the kids involved in choosing healthier foods that they’ll love – so get going and scan, swipe, swap!”
Annie O’Leary, Netmums Editorial Director said: “That two thirds or parents find they’re giving kids more treats as snacks than pre-pandemic doesn’t surprise me in the slightest – we all comfort ate our way through the pandemic and I know my kids ate far more treats than usual.
“But thank heavens there’s now something to help get us all back on track. And that it’s from the gold standard in terms of trustworthiness, the NHS, hopefully means millions of families will be downloading it and using it ASAP.
“Shopping for snacks can be an absolute minefield for busy parents, so thank you for coming to the rescue yet again, NHS.”
As part of the UK Government’s Obesity Strategy, the department is regulating the promotion of less healthy foods to children and has dedicated £100m of funding to support children, adults and families achieve and maintain a healthier weight.
The NHS Food Scanner App provides parents with the ideal hack to improve their children’s health in 2022. The free App can be downloaded or search ‘Food Scanner App’.
And now the nation’s favourite alcohol free beer is available on draught too …
While we can’t predict exactly what the first month of 2022 will look like, we can be certain that plenty of people will be making positive lifestyle changes … enter Dry January.
For those who decide to go on the wagon for January, there’s no better-tasting alcohol-free beer to see them through than the nation’s favourite, Heineken 0.0. Regularly described as one of the best tasting beers on the market, alcohol or no alcohol, Heineken 0.0 bottles and cans (330ml) contain 69 calories providing a great choice for those looking to moderate.
Heineken 0.0 is made with the same quality ingredients as its alcoholic original, boasting the familiar and characteristic fruity notes of the 5% ABV Heineken Original, the only difference being that 0.0 is without the alcohol.
The non-alcoholic beverage is double brewed with a unique recipe and has its alcohol content carefully removed to enable and empower consumers with choice, and options, to be able to moderate as part of a balanced lifestyle, whilst being able to enjoy every beer moment.
In addition, and what is a seminal moment for the British beer and pub industries, 2022 will see the rollout of Heineken 0.0 Draught, the first alcohol free draught beer to sit alongside regular beer taps in pubs utilising the existing cellar set up.
Heineken 0.0 Draught will be available in hundreds of UK pubs next year, and the development of the product has been a labour of love for the brewer. Since 2017 scores of beer experts from HEINEKEN innovation breweries in four countries have worked together under the stewardship of HEINEKEN Global Master Brewer Willem Van Waesberghe to bring Heineken 0.0 Draught to market.
The Low and No beer category is growing at around 30 per cent year-on-year but the introduction of draught is expected to cause an explosion in value in the market – by 2025 it could be worth as much as £250 million.
Commenting on Heineken 0.0, Matt Saltzstein, Beer Unit Director said: “Heineken 0.0 allows people to enjoy a delicious beer on any occasion without ever having to compromise on flavour.
“For those that have committed to moderating their alcohol intake this January, or even going completely dry for the month, Heineken 0.0 means they can do so while still enjoying a refreshing and full-flavoured beer.
“In a month of saying no, alcohol-free Heineken 0.0 bottle and cans allows people to say yes.”
Speaking on the launch of Heineken 0.0 Draught, Willem Van Waesberghe, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved here. Once again, we’re leading the way when it comes to innovating and moving the beer category forward.
“Without a doubt, the best way to enjoy a beer is a freshly poured pint in a pub and Heineken 0.0 Draught is going to play a big part in changing the way people drink.
“For me and my team, one of the primary areas of focus, as always, is taste. The Draught beer tastes great, it’s the distinctive famous Heineken flavour, and it has all the sensory aspects beer drinkers look for – a mouth-watering aroma, bright white head and lively carbonation”.
Heineken 0.0% is available in a 4 and 12 pack of 330ml bottles, and a 6 pack of 330ml cans in major supermarkets and convenience stores.
New Year’s resolutions have you ready to trade in your gin membership for a gym membership? No need with Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits!
‘New Year, new you’ doesn’t have to leave you feeling blue if you’ve made a resolution to go dry this January and beyond. Whether looking to cut out alcohol completely or reduce consumption, the good news is you can still have a proper tasty drink AND go to the gym; because let’s face it, you’re better than a pint of squash.
Introducing Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits, a super-premium, farm-born spirit, that is packed full of flavour without any of the alcohol. Handcrafted will all-natural botanicals and using spring water drawn from their Falls Farm distillery, it’s the perfect blend of innovation, hard graft, and real, natural ingredients that Warner’s drinkers know and love.
Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits is available in two flavours – Juniper Double Dry and Pink Berry. The Juniper Double Dry is crafted using real, natural, farm-grown ingredients: lemon thyme, lemon verbena and water drawn from the spring at Warner’s farm. The spirit has a spicy base, herbal hit, citrus edge and peppery finish, giving it the recognisable kick of a top-shelf tipple.
It took playing around with 53 different natural ingredients before settling on the 0% Pink Berry recipe. The spirit is leading the way as a delicious non-alcoholic alternative to a fruity or pink gin: fragrant & tangy, combining raspberries and blackcurrant sage with a kick from chilli, ginger and Szechuan pepper. Both flavours are 0% ABV and suitable for vegans – or those also conquering Veganuary.
Warner’s founder Tom Warner said: “Going dry in January is a great test of resolve and willpower but let’s be honest, after the last couple of years, it feels like even more of a challenge this January.
“Our 0% Botanic Garden Spirits mean you shouldn’t have to compromise simply because you’re having a non-alcoholic beverage. If you’re going to have a drink, make it a proper drink and drink like a bloomin’ grown up.”
Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits range can be purchased in 5cl from £3 or 50cl from £18 in major supermarkets including M&S, Ocado, selected Co-Ops and online at www.warnersdistillery.com.
Aldi has supported local charities, community groups and food banks in the Lothians by donating 9,224 meals to people in need this Christmas.
The supermarket paired up its stores with local organisations to make the most of unsold fresh and chilled food after stores closed on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, as part of its pledge to donate 1.8 million meals to families experiencing food poverty during November and December.
Around 550,000 meals were donated nationwide and more than 700 UK causes benefitted from the initiative over the festive period,
The initiative is part of Aldi’s successful partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform that links businesses to charitable organisations. Thanks to this, all of Aldi’s over 950 UK stores now donate surplus food to good causes seven days a week, all year round.
This year’s Christmas donations have helped Aldi to meet its pledge to donate 10 million meals to families in need in 2021 through its partnership with Neighbourly.
Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said:“The festive season is always a hard time for people affected by food poverty, so we are incredibly proud to have supported so many amazing causes in the Lothians this Christmas.”
Since beginning its partnership with Neighbourly in April 2019, Aldi has donated more than 20 million meals across the UK.
Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “This Christmas was without a doubt one of the busiest on record for the UK’s charities and food banks. The sizeable donations from Aldi would have been a massive lifeline for so many of them.”
Aldi has been working with Neighbourly since early 2019. As part of the partnership, Aldi introduced community donation points in all stores last year, offering customers the opportunity to donate any food or household products to local causes all year round.
