Aldi asks Oxfordshire shoppers to donate everyday items to local foodbanks over summer

# What happened Aldi has launched a summer donation appeal in partnership with Neighbourly and is urging customers across Oxfordshire to donate everyday essentials at in-store collection points. The push targets the period when children are off school and families can lose access to term-time support while household food costs rise.

# Why this matters locally When schools break up, families that relied on free school meals or other term-time assistance often face higher food bills. Aldi and Neighbourly say donations of routine household items can help foodbanks and community groups fill that gap quickly.

# Neighbourly are asking for Aldi lists concrete items that are in high demand. Donors are encouraged to add one or more of these items to their weekly shop and leave them at the store collection area:

• Tinned food
• Toiletries
• Tea and coffee
• UHT milk
• Breakfast cereals
• Laundry and cleaning products
• Cooking sauces, oils and condiments
• Juices and soft drinks
• Rice and pasta
• Pet food
• Baby essentials

# Scale and expectation Aldi expects the partnership to result in roughly two million meals donated this summer. The programme uses store collection points to channel items to local foodbanks and community groups via Neighbourly.

# What this means for donors and foodbanks Donating everyday essentials is framed as an easy, local way to help families during a predictable annual gap in support. For foodbanks, non-perishable groceries and household products are practical because they are shelf-stable and fill immediate household needs. For shoppers, the ask is specific: add an extra item or two to your basket and drop them at the collection point in store.

# How to take part Visit your local Aldi store during your regular shop. Look for the in-store donation point and drop off any of the listed items. Neighbourly handles distribution so donations go to nearby foodbanks and community organisations.

# Bottom line The appeal is a short, practical call to action aimed at reducing pressure on families during the summer break. It focuses on routine household goods rather than cash or large one-off donations, and Aldi projects measurable output through its partnership with Neighbourly.