Lidl makes major food label change

Lidl makes major food label change - and it will help struggling families using food banks

Lidl has introduced a new label to help those relying on food banks, the first UK supermarket to do so. It has launched the “Good To Give” trustmark to diversify the donations being given to struggling families.

Lidl shoppers looking to donate to food banks can find the label on 30 different items across all its UK stores, reports the Mirror. The signage will highlight selected long-life items that offer a greater variety of nutritional benefits.

The products chosen include tinned fruit, lentils, mackerel, noodles, and brown rice. Once picked up by a shopper, the item can then be dropped at food donation points in Lidl stores, ready for the supermarket to deliver them to food banks.

The “Good To Give” initiative was developed by Lidl in consultation with Neighbourly - a platform that connects surplus food with local good causes.

It comes after 87% of charities reported needing a greater range of food types to be donated to help those in need have a healthy, balanced diet.

The 'Good To Give' label will highlight selected long-life items that offer a greater variety of nutritional benefits (Reach plc)

Over nine in ten charities believe that it will have a significant impact on their organisation and the communities that they serve.

Ryan McDonnell, chief executive officer at Lidl GB, said: “At Lidl, we’re committed to making good food accessible to everyone and now, more than ever, it’s important that we stay true to this.

“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.”

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: "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 full list of 'Good To Give' items

* Freshona Pickled Gherkins Reduced Salt 720ml

* Italian Cherry Tomatoes 425ml

* Freshona Crinkle Cut Beetroot Salt Reduced 720ml

* Freshona Marrowfat Processed Peas 300g

* Freshona Sweetcorn Super Sweet 425ml

* Freshona Garden Peas 425ml

* Freshona Sliced Mushrooms 314ml

* Freshona Petit Pois & Baby Carrots 425ml

* Freshona Pineapple Slices in Juice 580ml

* Freshona Mandarin Segments in Juice 314ml

* Crownfield Wholegrain Mini Wheats 500g