Tesco has reported an “overwhelming” response to its Winter Food Collection initiative, with customers donating 1.9 million meals’ worth of long-life food items. 

The collection, which took place from 25 to 30 November, supports charities FareShare and the Trussell Trust during the pre-Christmas period.

Alongside the food donations, more than £340,000 was raised through customers rounding up their bills at the till and donating via the supermarket’s website, The Grocer reported.

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Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said: “I just want to say a huge thank you to every single person who donated items at this year’s Winter Food Collection.

“Their generosity is always so amazing and really helps to make a huge impact in communities across the UK supported by Trussell and FareShare.”

It comes as M&S and Ocado are also looking to support families in need this Christmas with charitable initiatives.

As part of the King’s Coronation Food Project, M&S and its long-term suppliers 2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) and Valeo Foods Group are set to donate 100,000 Christmas dinners with FareShare.

Meanwhile, to mark its fifth year supporting London-based charity The Felix Project, Ocado has donated over 73,380 meals.