M&S stores across Cheshire have donated more than 20,000 meals to vulnerable people in places such as Chester and Ellesmere Port during the coronavirus crisis.

Local good causes such as The Port Grocery in Ellesmere Port, as well as Blacon Community Store and Freeganette in Chester, have benefitted from the retailer's food redistribution programme, which donates surplus food from the store and ensures it ends in the hands – and stomachs – of those who need it the most.

The retailer’s food redistribution programme has been going since 2015, but the recent rollout of a new app has allowed M&S to respond to the increased demand for donations from groups who are helping vulnerable people through the Covid-19 crisis.

The app, which makes it easier for colleagues to donate surplus food to charities, is now in all 585 M&S stores, enabling many of them to more than double their food redistribution rates.

Across the UK, donations since March 1 have now surpassed the million mark.

Surplus food from stores across Cheshire has been a lifeline for The Port Grocery, Freeganette and Blacon Community Store, as well as Cre8 Project Grow in Macclesfield.

Pete Swallow, M&S head of region, said: “At M&S we’re proud of the role we play in our local community, and we’re doing our bit to support where we can during these unprecedented times.

"Our overarching goal is to halve our food waste by 2025, but when there is food surplus our priority is for it to end up on someone’s plate through our redistribution programme with Neighbourly.

"This has never been more important than in the last two months, so we’re delighted that the food is reaching those who need it through our brilliant charity partners.”

COO of Neighbourly, Zoe Colosimo, said: “Local charities are coming under immense pressure and need support now more than ever during this crisis.

"Surplus food and donations have delivered essential help quickly to where it's needed most - at the heart of our local neighbourhoods.

"It's fantastic to see the phenomenal effort that has been put in by M&S store teams and good local causes, there's a real sense of community building".

M&S is always looking for new partners to work with.

Local charity and community groups who would like to get involved in the food surplus programme or other charity initiatives are encouraged to email mands@neighbourly.com to find out more.