Charities in Oxfordshire helped Aldi to donate more than 13,400 meals to people in need over the summer school holidays.

The supermarket paired up its stores with local charities, community groups and foodbanks to donate surplus food, with the majority of meals going to causes supporting families and children.

The donation is part of Aldi’s commitment to donate 10 million meals across the country in 2021, in partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly.

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So far this year, Aldi stores across the UK have already donated over six million meals to good causes.

Aldi’s Botley store has supported The Oxford Food Hub, Food for Charities and Oxford Mutual Aid.

Mary Dunn, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We were proud to support so many incredible causes in Oxfordshire this summer, helping them to donate meals to those in need.

“The school holidays can be a hard time for families, particularly when many are experiencing heightened financial hardship due to the pandemic, and this is why we committed to donating more meals than ever before.”

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “The summer school holidays are always one of the busiest times for the nation’s charities and food banks, but this year things were even busier. Aldi’s donations have never been more of a vital support to these organisations.”

Aldi stores across the country work with Neighbourly to partner with local charities, who can collect surplus food and perishable products, such as fruit, vegetables and baked goods, up to seven days a week.

There are Aldi stores in Botley and Headington.

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The chain announced in June it wants to open new branches in almost every town in Oxfordshire.

This includes sites in Bicester, Thame, Wallingford, Abingdon, Banbury, Didcot, Kidlington, Wantage and Witney.

Aldi says each site should be around 1.5 acres and able to accommodate a 20,000 sq ft store with around 100 parking spaces, ideally on a prominent main road and with good visibility and access.

Ciaran Aldridge, national property director at Aldi UK, said earlier: “We have been investing in Britain for more than 30 years now, but we know that there are still areas that either do not have an Aldi at all, or that need another store to meet customer demand.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking to get unbeatable prices on their weekly shop without compromising on quality.

“That is why, more so than ever, we are keen to explore all opportunities to open new stores across the country.”

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The chain said it could also open new branches in Oxford.