Controversy as supermarket giant ditches foodbank collection points

Asda has confirmed it is to remove foodbank collection points from its stores following rumours on social media.

Twitter and Facebook users had noted that the collection points in Scottish stores had disappeared which forced the supermarket to release an official statement.

The retailer said the UK-wide move was the result of a change in national policy but that it would provide an additional £2m to be invested in good causes.

The collection points encourage customers to buy food items in store then donate them via special collection points on their premises.

Asda insisted shoppers can still give money if food banks are one of a local store's nominated charities. Asda also redistributes goods to foodbanks through the Fareshare scheme and its company shop.

However the move is bound to have repercussions on the foodbank sector which sources a substantial amount of food donations from larger supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco.

One Twitter user, Jenni Clare from Glasgow, tweeted: “Is Asda giving up on poverty? The poor need you Asda!”

The retailer’s green token scheme, where the company donates to local charities according to how many shoppers placed plastic coins in collection boxes, has also been stopped.

In-store signs have claimed that “demand has dropped”. A company spokesperson said the scheme was being “changed and updated”, and that a replacement would be found.