Woolworths has launched its annual Christmas Appeal in partnership with OzHarvest, aiming to provide “millions” of meals for Australians during the festive season.

Until 26 December, every 50¢ donated will help OzHarvest deliver one meal.

Customers can round up their shop to the nearest dollar at self-checkouts or purchase a 50¢ token at full-service lanes. When shopping online, customers can add a donation to their basket.

This weekend (6-7 December), Woolworths will match customer donations.

All donations help get crucial food to those who need it most this holiday season, supporting OzHarvest’s mission to keep its vans on the road and delivering fresh and nutritious food to more than 1500 charities nationwide.

Woolworths Head of Hunger Relief Brad O’Connor says the holidays can be stressful for families struggling to manage their budgets.

“For us, Christmas is about getting food to everyone, and we are committed to ensuring joy and nourishment are available in all communities,” he says.

“Our customers are wonderfully generous, and their support is essential to fund the urgent work OzHarvest does in feeding Aussies in need this Christmas.”

OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn AO says the reality is many people are struggling to put a meal on the table this festive season.

“We’re working closely with our national partner Woolworths to collect fresh, nutritious food from more than 550 stores, supporting 1500 frontline charities that are struggling to keep up with rising demand,” she says.

“OzHarvest’s Christmas Appeal is critical, as every dollar helps deliver two meals to someone in need, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Woolworths team and their customers for helping us feed more people than ever before.”

Customers can also support the cause by purchasing the Woolworths Dreamy Choc Chip Santa Cookies, with 50¢ from every pack also being donated to OzHarvest.