ALDI, Venmo Team On Thanksgiving Campaign

ALDI, the grocery retailer, and Venmo, the peer-to-peer (P2P) mobile payment app company, announced news on Monday (Nov. 6) of a new campaign that lets Americans give 1 million meals to families in celebration of “Friendsgiving.”

In a press release, the companies said that every time people share a custom Turkey Hand Friendsgiving emoji in a Venmo payment note this November, ALDI will donate 10 meals to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization.

“It feels good to give back, especially during the holidays,” said ALDI spokesperson Liz Ruggles in the press release announcing the campaign. “Teaming up with Venmo makes it easy. By simply using the Turkey Hand emoji, people can help ALDI give meals while planning Friendsgiving meals of their own.”

The program marks the first time the P2P platform has created a custom emoji with a partner, the companies noted. The Turkey Hand, inspired by the popular childhood craft project, symbolizes the spirit of giving, they said.

“Delicious food is key to Friendsgiving, but the centerpiece is the people,” said Venmo spokesperson Josh Criscoe, in the same press release. “By creating the first-ever Friendsgiving emoji and teaming up with ALDI, Venmo is happy to help feed hungry families in America while celebrating the season with friends and family.”

When Venmo users include the Turkey Hand in transactions — either by selecting the icon from a selection of emoji or by typing “Friendsgiving” — ALDI will donate up to 1 million meals to Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks to assist hunger relief this Thanksgiving holiday.