An Asda initiative offering children a hot meal for just £1 over the summer holidays has been welcomed by food bank bosses in Kent.

The supermarket giant has launched the scheme at every one of its in-store cafes, with under-16s able to eat for a quid seven days a week between July 25 and September 2.

Families will be able to use the offer at supermarkets across the county, including in Gillingham, Canterbury, Broadstairs, Sittingbourne, Folkestone and Greenhithe.

Asda says its aim is to keep children fed over the six-week break, when hard-up parents cannot rely on free school lunches.

Food banks in Kent have welcomed the offer as demand for their services soars amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Martin Ward is the chair of Canterbury Food Bank, which last month delivered food for 5,994 meals - a 31% increase on June last year.

“Anything that helps families who are struggling with the cost of living crisis can only be a good thing,” he said.

“Price increases caused by soaring inflation is affecting almost everyone and corporations should be doing all they can to help.

“But it is a short-term fix. Poverty will never be ended by supermarket giveaways - only governments can permanently resolve it.

“The food bank is experiencing record demand this year. Anyone who is short of supplies can contact us.”

There is no minimum-spend condition attached to the Asda offer, so children are entitled to one hot or cold meal per day for just £1.

Darryn de la Soul, a director at Margate Independent Foodbank, said: “We absolutely do support and welcome this move and encourage others to do the same.

“Getting a proper cooked meal will be great for kids. It’s a pity they’re not including parents and older siblings in the offer though - 17-year-olds and grown ups also get hungry!

“We are getting busier by the day and there’s no sign of it slowing down at all, so any help spreading the load is much welcomed.”