Aldi, the UK's fourth-largest supermarket, has announced a new initiative to ease the financial burden of the back-to-school season 2024.

The supermarket chain has launched a Back-to-School Fund that includes a £100 voucher giveaway and donations to local charities.

The voucher giveaway, running throughout September, aims to provide some respite to parents struggling with the increased costs associated with the start of the new academic year.

With parents spending on average just over £100 per child on back-to-school essentials, the vouchers could make a significant difference.

In addition to the voucher giveaway, Aldi is also donating £20,000 to good causes focused on supporting children.

The funds will be distributed through the supermarket's partnership with Neighbourly, a community giving platform, to schools, nurseries and other organisations that provide essential services to families in need.

“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," said Liz Fox, national sustainability director at Aldi UK.

“As the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket, we’re committed to doing whatever we can to support parents in making their money go further and that’s why we’re giving parents an extra helping hand via our back-to-school fund this September."

Aldi's partnership with Neighbourly is part of its broader efforts to make fresh, healthy food accessible to everyone.

Shoppers can also contribute to local charities by donating at community donation points in Aldi stores.

“We support many thousands of good causes across the UK that directly support families, and 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," said Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly.