Asda have removed foodbank collection points from their stores across the UK in a move that has alarmed charities and customers.
Foodbank collection points offer shoppers the chance to donate items they have bought in store or food they have brought from home to those in need.
UK foodbank director Adrian Curtis wants to speak with Asda to ensure that their shoppers are still able to donate to the 13million UK people living below the poverty line.
He said: “We know that being able to donate food to local people in crisis matters to communities.
“Permanent foodbank collection points in supermarkets help ensure that foodbanks have a steady supply of food donations.
The Trussell Trust is responsible for most foodbanks in south west London, providing them in Wandsworth, Richmond, Hammersmith, Kingston, Wimbledon, Clapham and Ealing.
They do not yet have a relationship with Asda but rely heavily on donations from other supermarkets.
The trust have 400 permanent collection points in Tesco stores and over 180 in Waitrose stores as well as some in Sainsbury’s and The Coop.
Mr Curtis continued: “We’ve heard from some of our food banks and Asda shoppers that Asda have changed their policy on hosting permanent foodbank collection points in their stores.
“We would really like to engage with them to find out more about this decision.
“We want to see if we can find a way to ensure that Asda shoppers are able to donate food to foodbanks easily.”
Asda, owned by the multi-billion dollar Walmart corporation, took the decision to remove foodbank collection points after a review of their community programme in January.
The supermarket pledged to invest £2m into local causes through the Asda Foundation and hope new guidelines will ensure fairness and consistency for their supported charities.
In a statement, Asda indicated they were still happy to accommodate foodbank donations, as long as volunteers are available to provide information.
A spokesperson said: “Foodbanks are very welcome to collect donations in Asda if volunteers are on hand to explain to customers where their donations are going.
“We know this increases the amount of food donated.”
Any charity wishing to collect donations in Asda stores should contact their nearby Community Champion.
Image courtesy of Bailey and Muppet, with thanks
