Shoppers at Waitrose donated the equivalent of over two million meals last year to support food banks during the cost-of-living crisis.
Surpassing figures from 2021, the upmarket retailers customers donated 934,397kg of food to the Trussell Trust and local food banks, the equivalent of 2,224,757 meals.
As a result, Waitrose says this increase in donations shows how the cost-of-living crisis is driving awareness, increasing support for those in need.
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In October the Trussell Trust launched an emergency appeal following a rise in families looking for help amid the cost-of-living crisis. At the time, the charity said it expected to distribute 1.3 million emergency food parcels to its members in six months, having already used up its reserve stock.
To make collection points clear for shoppers through 2023, Waitrose has updated its in-store Food Bank donation points.
Alongside signs on shelves to show customers which items are most sought after at local food banks, pre-filled food bank bags will also be available in 31 stores.
“It’s vital that we do everything we can to help those in our communities who may be in need during the festive season”, Waitrose sustainability and ethics lead, Lindsey Crompton said.
“Every year, we’re humbled and filled with gratitude at the generosity from our customers.”
This comes as Waitrose recently gave four million carrier bags to local food banks to ensure food supplies are secure in new, good quality packaging.
The John Lewis partnership also donated over £200,000 to the Trussell Trust last year to support its network of food banks across the UK.
