A HIGHBRIDGE supermarket will start to donate unsold fresh food to local charities from the end of July.

Aldi will launch its food surplus scheme in Highbridge which will allow community groups, foodbanks and charities to collect surplus food such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods up to five days a week.

The supermarket giant has teamed up with Neighbourly to deliver the scheme which has been successfully trialled in other parts of the country.

Last year, Aldi donated two million meals to charities and expects to increase this by 50 per cent once all stores are donating.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, said he hopes the scheme will help local communities and urged charities to apply.

“We’re always looking for new ways to increase the amount of food we are able to donate, as a way to give back to the communities we serve and ensure that fresh, healthy food is accessible to everyone.

“We’re looking forward to launching our partnership with Neighbourly in our Highbridge store, which will enable us to redistribute even more surplus stock, whilst supporting good causes.

"We hope that lots of local charities will sign up to the initiative and get involved.”

Aldi has pledged to reduce operational food waste by 50 per cent by 2030 and since 2012 it has been redistributing surplus food.

If you are a member of a Highbridge group or charity and would like to partner up with an Aldi store email aldi@neighbourly.com to apply.