Businesses urged to dig deep to support GroceryAid
BUSINESSES across the grocery sector have been urged to show their support for industry charity GroceryAid ahead of its annual fundraising day.
Taking place on Thursday 30 April, GroceryAid Day looks to build awareness for the industry charity and has set the grocery sector a challenge to double participation compared to last year’s event.
The ambition stems from a growing demand for GroceryAid’s financial, emotional and practical support services, while awareness for the charity remains critically low.
In 2024/25, GroceryAid said it provided support for more grocery colleagues than ever, with a 67% increase in help provided when compared to the previous year. Over £6.5million was spent on welfare, including financial grants, counselling, debt advice and legal support and the charity’s 24/7 helpline provided more than 5,300 in-the-moment counselling sessions.
Despite this, just 4% of grocery workers were aware of GroceryAid’s services when asked about them.
That means the vast majority of the 2.6million people working in the UK’s grocery sector – including people from factory floors and distribution centres to shop floors and head offices – do not know it exists, highlighting the importance of events like GroceryAid Day.
Businesses who wish to get involved can download digital assets to use across internal communications, social media and company platforms and can also order free printed materials including posters, leaflets, wallet cards and stickers to display across stores, depots, warehouses and offices.
All assets can be found on this link.
Kieran Hemsworth, chief executive at GroceryAid, said: “Every day, we see the difference our support makes to colleagues going through tough times, whether that is financial hardship, emotional distress or a sudden change in circumstances.
“But we can only help people who know we are here. There are hundreds of thousands of grocery workers who have no idea that free, confidential support is available to them.Â
“GroceryAid Day is the industry’s chance to change that. Last year, 193 businesses stepped up to support the day. This year, we are asking the industry to double that number.
“Whether you are a major retailer, a wholesaler, a supplier or an independent, your participation can make a real difference. Download the assets, share the message and help your colleagues access the help they have earned.”Â
