Lidl is joining the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card scheme, which was launched by the Scottish government to help towns and neighbourhoods recover from the pandemic, and its 111 Scottish stores are now accepting the cards.
The cards have been used to support communities in areas including Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, and South Ayrshire. They have helped support low income families through the cost-of-living crisis and stimulate local economies, with more than £12m handed out to households to date.
The cards can be swiped at the till like a debit card, with the balance automatically updated after each purchase.
Ross Millar, Lidl’s Regional Director for Scotland, said: “At Lidl, we are committed to making good food accessible to everyone and, with the cost of living continuing to impact people and businesses nationwide, it’s never been more important that we do just that.
“We’re delighted to be part of such a worthwhile programme that gives instant financial support to local communities in Scotland. We look forward to welcoming customers to all of our stores to use their Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards and enjoy Lidl’s wide range of high-quality produce, including locally sourced fresh fruit and veg.”
The Scottish Government is backing the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card initiative, which is delivered by Scotland’s Town Partnership.
Kimberley Guthrie, Interim Chief Officer at Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “It’s great to see Lidl join the vast array of businesses recognising the power of the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card to lock money into local economies.
“The greater the variety of places signed up to accept the gift card, the greater the reasons for people to spend more time shopping and spending in their community – ensuring that businesses of every kind can benefit.”
