Aldi’s Porthmadog store is now donating surplus food directly to two local groups that redistribute supplies to vulnerable people in the area, youth charity GISDA and Cil De Gwynedd, which supports adults living with disabilities.

The new partnerships follow on from a successful trial between the supermarket and community engagement platform, Neighbourly.

Aldi has paired up 17 stores in north Wales with local good causes that are now collecting surplus food up to five days a week.

Each store is donating perishable items such as fresh fruit and veg, long life items and baked goods.

The trial began in January, and following its success, was rolled out across Aldi’s entire store estate.

Last year the supermarket donated two million meals to charity and expects to increase this by 50 per cent now the trial has been extended to its 827 stores.

Fritz Walleczek, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We’re always looking for new and creative ways to increase the amount of food we are able to donate.

“This partnership is enabling us to distribute even more surplus stock, while supporting a vast range of good causes, across north Wales.

“Our aim is for fresh, healthy food to be accessible for everyone, and Neighbourly are helping us to extend this commitment beyond our affordable range of fresh products.”

See this week’s north editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday