Charities and community groups across the district are being urged to register to the areas Aldi store in order to collect food donations on Christmas Eve.

The supermarket chain announced earlier this year that 95 per cent of Aldi stores will donate surplus food up to five days a week, all year round.

Aldi currently has one store open within the district based in Epping Forest Shopping Park on Langston Road, Epping.

Anyone who successfully applies for the Christmas initiative can collect fresh food products near the end of their shelf life after 6pm on Tuesday, December 24.

Last Christmas, Aldi donated just under half a million meals to charities across the UK, and is hoping to spread festive cheer to even more families.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Our Christmas food donation scheme is something we’re really passionate about, and we’re working with Neighbourly this year to pair as many stores up as possible.

“Last year we were able to reach thousands of people across the UK, and some charities were even able to prepare fresh meals that fed families well into the New Year.

“This is our third year of Christmas food donations and we’re hoping this year will be just as successful, and we look forward to working with local charities and food banks from Epping Forest in the future.”

Charitable groups interested in working with Aldi this Christmas should contact Neighbourly at aldichristmas@Neighbourly.com