Generous shoppers have made a real difference in Watford after donating more than 5,000 meals during a recent Asda food drive – one of the biggest donators in the country.

Asda Watford customers have helped provide food by adding much-needed items to the collection trolleys, helping food banks who have experienced a significant rise in need since the start of the pandemic.

Since Fight Hunger Create Change was created in 2018 Asda and its customers have been able to support more than 1 million people by providing fresh food and access to support services to help people in crisis get out of the situation they find themselves in.

In total almost 250,000 meals were donated across the two months through 382 stores.

Kloe Tegg, Asda Fight Hunger create change manager said: "We are always amazed by the generosity of our customers in donating to what is a really important cause, not just during the food drive but throughout the year.

"Food drives are a vital part of our Fight Hunger Create Change mission to end hunger and these donations will make a huge difference to people in Watford."

Andrew Tranter, Watford Foodbank project manager, said: "We’re overwhelmed by the amazing support from Asda’s customers and staff – and are very grateful for their generosity. Thank you so much. This donation will help us provide emergency food and support to people across the Watford area.

"Last year we supported 12.146 people facing crisis, and we’re always blown away by the amount of help and generosity people show in supporting our work. But ultimately, we don’t think it’s right that any of us are forced to turn to any charity for emergency food.

"All of us should have enough money for essentials. That’s why we’re working with the Trussell Trust to push for changes that will bring us closer to a hunger free future."

Last year, food banks in the Trussell Trust network provided 2.5 million emergency food parcels with almost a million of these for children.