Lidl launch 'industry first' initiative to increase food bank donations

Lidl has launched an “industry first” initiative to increase food bank donations and give those relying on them a varied, healthy diet.

The “Good to Give” scheme aims to diversify and increase donations to food banks as more people turn to them to cope with the rising cost-of-living crisis.

Launching on Thursday, the initiative will direct Lidl shoppers to products most needed by food banks, by highlighting long-life items that offer a variety of nutritional benefits and can be dropped at donation points past checkouts.

The supermarket chain chose the list of 30 food items in consultation with charity Neighbourly, who co-ordinate the delivery of surplus food to local causes, and the NHS Eatwell guide.

Products selected on the list include tinned fruit, lentils, mackerel, noodles, and brown rice.

Lidl GB chief executive Ryan McDonnell said: “We’ve been listening to feedback from our charity partners on how we can best support them at this time.

“Through these conversations it became clear we can play a leading role in helping those relying on food banks to maintain a more nutritious, balanced diet by encouraging our customers to donate a little differently.

“We hope that more retailers will adopt the ‘Trustmark’ so that we can work together as an industry to help more people access the balanced and nutritious diet that they need.”

Neighbourly chief executive Steve Butterworth said: “Through our work with local charities and good causes, supported by our latest community insights surveys, we can see how the cost-of-living crisis is causing steep rises in demand for food banks and front-line services.

“This is only going to increase in the coming months.

“With the launch of this new initiative, Lidl is demonstrating that they are truly committed to finding innovative ways to support their customers and local communities.”

The initiative will be trialled for six months.