Local stores redistributed over 12 tonnes of surplus food

Lidl

Lidl UK has redistributed more than 12.36 tonnes of surplus food from its stores across the borough of Rochdale, which equates to 29,435 meals donated to good causes over the past 12 months.

The discounter’s food surplus redistribution scheme, in place in stores since February last year, has supported 22 local community projects.

The milestone follows the completion of a national rollout of Lidl’s food redistribution programme ‘Feed it Back’, in partnership with Neighbourly. The giving platform directly connects Lidl stores with local charities, food banks, community cafes and soup kitchens, enabling them to collect quality food surplus from the supermarket, and put it to good use.

Since the start of the initiative in January 2017, Lidl stores across the UK have helped to provide almost 3 million meals for those in need through local organisations. 

Lidl’s Feed it Back initiative represents the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce food waste across its supply chain, and forms part of the supermarket’s ambitious goal of cutting food waste by 25% per store by 2020.

Mark Newbold, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Lidl UK, said: We’re seeing just how impactful the Feed it Back network is in connecting local communities with our stores and helping to build strong relationships. Through this network it’s great to know that we’re making the most of our surplus food by helping organisations such as Sanctuary Supported Living. We are extremely proud of our store teams’ efforts to date in Manchester and look forward to continuing to build these partnerships across the country.”

Sanctuary Supported Living Acting, Local Service Manager, Louise Denbigh, said: “Lidl’s Feed It Back initiative has made a real difference to our residents at Victoria House. It’s great to see the quality fruit, vegetables and baked goods we collect multiple times a week from our local store, being put to good use.

“Our residents have particularly benefitted from the fresh produce received, using it in healthy cooking classes to prepare tasty and nutritious soups, developing their culinary abilities in the process.”

Any charities and community projects that are interested in teaming up with a Lidl store can simply visit the Neighbourly website, call 0117 422 0855, or email lidl@neighbourly.com, to find out more about how to register.