Asda shoppers are being urged to donate grocery items to help people who use food banks in their local area.

The supermarket chain has launched an in-store food drive asking customers to donate extra food and toiletries as the cost of living crisis continues.

During the campaign, which will be taking place between May 6 – 8, Asda staff and foodbank volunteers will provide customers with information on which items are needed most and encourage customers to give only what they can afford.

Kloe Tegg, Asda Better Starts Manager, said: “We know the ever-important role food banks play in local communities as people struggle to afford things we all need to live.

“We collect all year round but over the next few days we are hoping this food drive will lead to a big upturn in what will be vital donations.”

It is hoped the push will enable food banks to provide families with much-needed assistance in the coming weeks and months.

Sophie Carre, Head of the food bank network Trussel Trust - who have teamed up with ASDA for the campaign - said: “While we push for long-term change that ensures everyone has enough money for the things we all need to live, we are thankful to Asda for holding a food drive in May, which will help us make sure families can get emergency support from food banks this summer.”

The supermarket has had customer collection food trolleys in store for five years, and in that time customers have donated the equivalent of over nine million meals.