A SUPERMARKET has helped people through the pandemic by donating surplus food to North East community centres.

M&S Metro Centre has donated more than 50,000 meals through partnerships with local causes since the March 1, helping to support vulnerable people in the local area as the pandemic continues.

The retailer’s food redistribution programme has been going since 2015, but the rollout of a new app has made it easier for colleagues to donate surplus food to charities.

This has allowed M&S to respond to the increased demand for donations from groups who are helping vulnerable people during the pandemic.

Surplus food from M&S Metro Centre has been a lifeline for those reliant on local causes, including Whitehills Community Centre, The Winlaton Centre, Healthy Holidays St Chads Community Project and Big Local Gateshead Community Food Distribution.