Asda are launching a range of new ‘winter warmer’ initiatives to support customers and community groups struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Throughout November and December Asda are offering people aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffees for just £1.
Locally, cafes in stores in Barnes Hill and Halesowen are taking part in the initiative. See the list of all participating stores here.
The offer is available all day, every day and will run alongside the current ‘Kids eat for £1’ offer which continues to be hugely popular, with more than 557,000 meals served since its launch in June.
According to the supermarket giant, their research ‘Income Tracker’ survey has found that older customers are disproportionately affected by spiralling living costs, with 65-to-74-year-olds experiencing a £163 year-on-year drop in disposable income in August, as rising inflation continues to outstrip pension and savings growth.
This research aligns with findings from Age UK who estimate that 2.8m older households will still be living in fuel poverty this winter despite the Government freezing the energy price cap.
Mohsin Issa, Asda’s co-owner, said: “We know that this winter is set to be incredibly hard for thousands of pensioners as they worry about how to keep themselves warm in the face of rising living costs and a fixed income.
“We’ve already been able to serve over half a million meals through our Kids Eat for £1 initiative in our cafes and we’re hoping our new offer of soup and hot drinks for over 60s will prove just as impactful for those who need it most.
“Meanwhile, the cost of living grant programme led by Asda’s charity The Asda Foundation will support grassroots organisations who are providing a lifeline in their communities during these tough times.”
The Asda Foundation is providing funding worth £500,000 to support community groups that are struggling with rising operating costs or increased demand for their vital services in the current climate.
Individual grants worth up to a maximum of £2,000 are available and priority will be given to groups and charities that need financial help to cover increased energy costs or who want to use their facilities to create ‘warm banks’ – spaces where people can keep warm this winter if they can’t afford to always heat their homes.
Asda are also running a ‘Community Cuppa’ campaign in their cafes by creating space for community groups who may otherwise struggle to meet due to rising energy costs. Spaces will be available on weekdays in November and December from 2pm to 6pm and all community group members who visit will receive unlimited free tea or coffee.
BVoices is committed in supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Send us local story ideas to hello@b31.org.uk
