Aldi Offers Free Christmas Lunches to Merseyside Families This December

No one should have to skip a Christmas meal because of tough times. That’s why Aldi is stepping in once again to make sure families across Merseyside can enjoy a warm, festive dinner—completely free of charge. If you’re in the area and on a means-tested benefit, this might be just the kind of holiday cheer you’ve been looking for.

Initiative

Between Tuesday, December 16 and Thursday, December 18, Aldi will be giving away free Christmas roast dinners in two Merseyside locations. It’s all part of Aldi’s heartwarming partnership with Community Shop, a social enterprise aimed at helping those on low incomes get more from their food budgets.

Meals will be served at Community Shop Beechwood and Community Shop Kirkdale, both of which are part of a 15-store network across the UK. These shops offer surplus supermarket food at lower prices to qualifying members, and for this festive initiative, they’re opening their doors for something extra special.

Locations

The two Merseyside locations taking part are:

Community Shop	Address
Kirkdale	211 Walton Rd, Liverpool L4 4AJ
Beechwood	[Exact address not provided]

Both locations will be hosting free meals during the three-day event. Around 2,500 meals will be served nationwide, so local members will want to sign up early.

Membership

Here’s the important bit—these Christmas dinners are available to Community Shop members only. But don’t worry, signing up is easy and completely free. If you live nearby and receive a means-tested benefit, you’re likely eligible.

Qualifying benefits include:

• Universal Credit
• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Tax Credits
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support

You can apply for membership online through the Community Shop website. Once approved, just head to the store and sign up in person for your Christmas meal.

Support

The meals wouldn’t be possible without help from Aldi’s long-term supplier, Bernard Matthews. They’ll be donating turkeys for the event, while Aldi is handling all the festive trimmings—think stuffing, roast potatoes, and veggies. It’s a full-on traditional Christmas feast.

This year marks the third time Aldi has partnered with Community Shop for the Christmas lunches, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest one yet. With the growing cost of living, initiatives like these are more than just meals—they’re moments of comfort, connection, and kindness.

Impact

Aldi’s collaboration with Company Shop Group, the parent organization of Community Shop, has already had a massive impact. Since their partnership began in 2022, Aldi has donated nearly seven million meals from its regional distribution centres to Community Shop hubs nationwide.

Not only does this reduce food waste, but it helps thousands of low-income households stretch their food budgets further. And during the holiday season, when every penny counts, this can make a real difference.

Gratitude

According to Luke Emery, Aldi UK’s national sustainability director, this year’s effort is all about expanding their reach. More meals, more locations, and more people getting a taste of Christmas cheer.

Gary Scott, the executive chairman of Community Shop, echoed that sentiment, noting how valuable these shared meals are—especially during a time of year that can feel isolating and financially overwhelming.

It’s not just about food. It’s about giving people a moment to relax, feel part of something, and enjoy a festive tradition that many might otherwise miss.

If you qualify, take a moment to sign up and enjoy a meal that’s been made with care, thought, and community spirit. It’s a small act that could make your holiday season feel a lot warmer.

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