As families across the UK prepare for the back-to-school season, Aldi has launched a new initiative to help parents manage the financial strain that often accompanies the start of the academic year. The supermarket giant is offering £100 Aldi vouchers to parents throughout September to assist with purchasing everyday essentials. Additionally, Aldi is donating £20,000 to charitable causes that support children, including schools and nurseries, through their community giving platform, Neighbourly.

Research conducted by Aldi highlights the financial challenges faced by families during this time. On average, parents spend just over £100 per child on back-to-school essentials such as new shoes, pencil cases, and lunch boxes. These costs continue throughout the academic year, with parents spending approximately £23 per week on packed lunches and £90 on after-school clubs or extracurricular activities.

Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, spoke about the initiative: “We know the back-to-school period can be a real pinch point for family finances, especially after having to contend with keeping the kids entertained during the summer school holidays.” She emphasized Aldi’s commitment to supporting parents in making their money go further.

The Back-to-School Fund is part of Aldi’s broader efforts to make fresh, healthy food accessible to everyone. The supermarket has a long-standing partnership with Neighbourly, and shoppers can support local charities through community donation points in Aldi stores.

Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, praised the initiative, stating, “This additional funding from Aldi will provide a vital lifeline for them to cover the cost of essentials for the parents and children who need it most.

Parents interested in applying for Aldi’s Back-to-School Fund can do so by emailing [email protected] by September 30, 2024. One hundred applicants will be chosen throughout the month to receive a £100 voucher.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact families across the UK, Aldi’s Back-to-School Fund represents a timely intervention to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the start of the academic year.