Lidl hopes save 222 tonnes of food from being wasted every year in Northern Ireland with its new £2.50 ‘waste not’ fruit and veg boxes.
The first of its kind NI retail initiative will offer 5kg of fresh food and veg for much less than their usual retail value, which will no doubt be welcomed by many during the cost of living crisis.
Lidl says the fresh produce will be picked and packed daily from multipacks of slightly damaged items which are still good to eat.
Read more: 141,300 tonnes of biodegradable NI waste sent to landfill despite climate impact
The supermarket’s chief operating officer for the island of Ireland, Robert Ryan, said: “Lidl Northern Ireland’s new ‘Waste Not Fruit and Veg Boxes’ initiative is a great way for customers to eat healthily at an affordable price.
“Crucially, the initiative plays a significant role in our overarching sustainability stratgey and helps protect the planet and our local communities by helping combat the important issue of fresh food going to landfill.”
The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs said 141,300 tonnes of food and garden waste wound in Northern Ireland’s landfill in 2021/22. But much more could be being wasted.
Emissions from biodegradable landfill waste create methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide and adds to the climate crisis.
Lidl’s ‘waste not’ boxes will be available to buy in stores across Northern Ireland. Any that are not sold will be given to good causes.
Mr Ryan added: “We look forward to seeing more shoppers benefit from this scheme which has already been so well received.”
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