According to Coles, who ran and organised the three-week fundraising campaign, the area has the “most generous” in the state. As part of the campaign, Coles shoppers were asked to purchase $2 donation cards, raising more than $1,000 locally. For every card purchased, SecondBite would provide ten meals to those in need.

Coles state manager Orlando Rodriguez said he was “overwhelmed” when he heard how willing Newcastle was to embrace SecondBite, and believes the area has made a “real difference”.

“We have received an outstanding response from our customers who have united to support this important cause, with fundraising efforts in Newcastle contributing to a total of almost $69,340 worth of donations across New South Wales,” he said.

“While $2 might be a small contribution, it makes a big difference and we thank local shoppers for their commitment to helping people doing it tough this winter.”

As well as the SecondBite project, Wallsend’s Coles location has also been donating surplus fruit, vegetables and baked products to the local Baptist Care Community Centre since 2014.

Since partnering with SecondBite in 2011, Coles has donated more than 55 million meals through the program.