Christmas can be a difficult time for many people, but this year is expected to be tougher than normal, with coronavirus lockdown restrictions still ongoing. The UK’s four nations are yet to announce plans for the festive period, but it is hoped that the strict measures currently in place will help to drive infection rates down ahead of the big day. To offer help to those who need it, Asda has announced plans to donate one million meals before Christmas to help support vulnerable people across the UK. How you can get involved The initiative from the supermarket giant will see meals given to food banks, charities and community groups over the festive season. Asda already works with food poverty charity FareShare and the Trussell Trust through its Fight Hunger Create Change programme, which has seen millions of meals donated. Now customers can get involved in providing support. Asda is asking its shoppers to donate to supermarket food collection trolleys, which will be distributed to local food banks. Asda’s chief customer officer, Anna-Maree Shaw, said, “We understand that for people in vulnerable circumstances Christmas can be an extremely stressful time of year, which is why we are pleased to be able to do our bit to help out. “We know that before Christmas, food banks and charities see an increase in demand and this year it is likely to be greater than ever.” Support for children As well as the initiative from Asda, families in England will also receive help from the government during the Christmas break, after ministers agreed to spend more than £400 million to fund free school meals for disadvantaged children. The decision came following a campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford, and will see funding provided to feed children from poorer backgrounds during the Christmas holidays. Eligible families can apply for the support through their child’s school or local authority. Similar free school meals are also available for eligible families in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can find out more about receiving this support by checking the relevant government website, either for England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.