A BIG-NAME supermarket has donated thousands to a Southend charity.

Asda has given Southend Foodbank a £1,600 grant, which will go towards getting stock in the run-up to Christmas.

It comes as the foodbank has seen a 59 per cent increase in the number of emergency food parcels this year – the most parcels the foodbank has ever provided.

As a result, more than £10,000 a month is being spent by the foodbank for donations.

The money comes from the retailer’s Asda Foundation, which aims to improve people’s lives by helping to transform their communities.

In a Facebook post by Asda (Shoebury), it said: “Congratulations to the amazing team at Southend Foodbank who received a £1,600 grant from the Asda Foundation.

“The funding will go a long way to replenish their stocks in the run up to Christmas.

“A massive thank you to everyone who supports this very worthy cause.”