Asda has announced the return of its “Winter Fruit and Veg Pledge” and will donate the equivalent of 1 million meals as part of its partnership with FareShare and the Coronation Food Project.

The initiative will see more than 420 tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables given away through the UK’s leading redistribution programme over the next 12 weeks after a successful operation last year.

Rowena White, produce commercial director at Asda, said: “The colder months bring added pressure for families facing food poverty in the UK, so by bringing back this initiative, we can continue to make a real difference to vulnerable communities.

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“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with FareShare, which has seen Asda redistribute the equivalent of 10 million meals through IPL (International Procurement & Logistics) since 2011, ensuring that redistributed food reaches the people who need it most.”

The donation will go towards FareShare’s nationwide network of over 8,000 charities and community groups, including afterschool and breakfast clubs and homelessness shelters.

The meals will be provided through Asda’s wholly owned subsidiary IPL, to assist many families feeling budget constraints over the winter months.