"More and more charities have been seeking our services since the start of the pandemic..."

Aldi is donating non-surplus food to a food hub service during the Covid-19 pandemic. The retailer has become the first in Ireland to donate non-surplus products to FoodCloud, a redistribution hub that works with charities across the country. The service has understandably been inundated with demand since the pandemic began. Between March and June, charities sought 44 percent more food donations compared to the same period in 2019. To meet the demand, FoodCloud redistributed 968 tonnes of food - equating to 2.3 million meals - through retail partners and FoodCloud hubs during this time. Due to demand, the hub has had to turn to non-surplus food donations for the first time to ensure that charities can supply those in need with basic necessities. Aldi's donation has allowed FoodCloud to support 17 new food hubs in 15 counties. The retailer has donated foods such as rice, pasta and tinned goods, as well as €50,000 to support the hub's vital services.

Iseult Ward, CEO of FoodCloud, says that since the pandemic began, more and more charities have been availing of the hub's services. 

"Thanks to the early donation by Aldi of €50,000 of non-surplus stock, we have been able to create new partnerships with Local Development Companies, ensuring ongoing distribution to those in need as the economic fallout of Covid-19 continues to take its toll on communities.

"We will continue helping charities and communities in need across Ireland, and donations such as Aldi’s are a great help to us.” 

Mary Sheridan, Principal of St Bricin’s College in Belturbet, Co Cavan, added that the increase of FoodCloud parcels in her area has been "incredible to see."  “As a principal of a DEIS school supporting families in the area, we knew there was a gap in supply to some of the most vulnerable in our community," she said.  "It was just incredible to see the Gardaí and the Civil Defence delivering the FoodCloud food parcels from the Cavan County Local Development hubs to those in need. This food has connected the community, giving people assurance that they are not alone in such uncertain times."