Asda to donate 150,000 meals to children over half-term

Asda has announced that it will donate 150,000 meals to children over half-term break to help fight holiday hunger. 

The grocer is also extending its ‘kids eat free’ policy in its cafes, which will allow children under the age of 16 to access a ‘nutritious meal’ when their guardian spends £1. This offer is also available for takeaway. Since the promotion began, Asda has seen over 230,000 free meals claimed by children.

The supermarket chain is running the programme through its ‘Fight Hunger Create Change’  scheme which is in partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare. 

Jo Warner, community director, Asda said: “The past year has been extremely challenging for so many families. We know that throughout the school holidays, food banks and charities see an increase in demand for emergency food parcels and services.

“Which is why we’re so pleased to be able to provide meals to families across the country who would otherwise rely on a school meal during term time.”

Lindsay Boswell, chief executive, FareShare said: “FareShare has more than doubled the amount of food it distributes over the past year, now providing frontline charities with enough food to create over 2 million meals each week – with two thirds of this food being accessed by children and families. 

“Asda’s investment in our infrastructure with additional warehouse space, chillers and vans has been crucial in enabling us to respond to the crisis – but we know the hard work is far from over, with vulnerable families struggling even more during half term breaks without the safety net of free school meals.”