Shoppers across West Midlands called on to help as food banks brace for tough Christmas

A list of the most in-demand items needed by food banks to help families struggling at Christmas has been revealed by Aldi.

The items have been selected by food banks, charities and community groups across the UK and include store cupboard essentials, festive treats, toiletries and pet food.

The new research by Aldi’s community giving partner Neighbourly shows that foodbanks are preparing for a tough Christmas, with 80 per cent reporting an increase in demand, particularly from families with children and the elderly.

Food banks have also revealed that they fear they will not have enough supplies to support their communities this Christmas, while almost a third of foodbanks report difficulties in recruiting volunteers.

Aldi has said that shoppers in the West Midlands can donate items via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide before they will then be distributed to good causes.

Aldi will also be supporting those in need over the festive period, saying it expects to donate more than one million meals to local charities, community groups and foodbanks across the UK.

Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas is always an extremely busy period for foodbanks and other charitable organisations helping those most in need.

“We know many of our customers like to support local causes by using our in-store donation points, so we hope this list of items will help shoppers to pick the items that are most needed over the festive period.”

Steve Butterworth, Neighbourly CEO, said: "With many foodbanks and local charities facing increased demand and lower donations, any extra support we can get this Christmas will be vital.

"By highlighting the most needed items, Aldi is making it easier for customers to support their local communities. 

"We're proud to be working in partnership to ensure those donations reach the people who need them this festive season."

The top most in-demand items this Christmas according to Aldi are tinned food, festive treats, toiletries, tea and coffee, breakfast cereals, juices and soft drinks, UHT milk, laundry and cleaning products, rice and pasta, cooking sauces, oils, condiments, children's gifts and pet food.