South Norwood's Aldi is partnering with seven local charities to donate food to vulnerable people in the area.

The store will donate to South Norwood & Woodside Community Association, South Norwood Community Kitchen and Torchlight Ministries in Croydon.

These new partnerships are part of a trial between the supermarket and community engagement platform, Neighbourly. So far, Aldi has paired up a total of four stores in London with local charities that collect surplus food up to five days every week.

Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO said "We are delighted to be partnering with Aldi on this programme and to help them realise their ambition to benefit those communities local to each and every one of their stores across the UK.

"Food surplus is a challenge Aldi is committed to playing its part to address.

"This approach is critical to ensure surplus food finds its way easily to the good causes supporting those communities that need it most."

The stores are donating perishable items such as fresh fruit and veg, chilled products such as yoghurt and milk, and baked goods. The trial will continue until Spring and, if successful, will be rolled out across the country.

Fritz Walleczek, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We’re always looking for new and creative ways to increase the amount of food we are able to donate. This partnership is enabling us to be even more efficient in how we distribute surplus stock, while supporting a vast range of causes, across London.

“Our aim is for fresh, healthy food to be accessible for everyone, and Neighbourly are helping us to extend this commitment beyond our affordable range of fresh products.”