More than 2,000 supermarkets across the country will have duly identified volunteers handing out shopping bags to customers wishing to help an estimated 400,000 people living below the breadline.

Organisers have said they will welcome all food donations, but have asked for basic products such as milk, pastas, rice, olive oil, cereals and canned food such as beans, tuna and sausages as they all have a longer shelf life.