Coles has launched its annual appeal for national food rescue charity SecondBite, aiming to help feed Australians in need during the winter months.

The Coles SecondBite Winter Appeal comes as new research from YouGov reveals that 76% of Australians struggle more financially in winter, most commonly due to high electricity or energy bills.

The appeal will run from today until Tuesday 30 July, with customers able to support SecondBite in more than 1,800 supermarkets and Coles Liquor stores nationally by purchasing a $2 donation card or by donating at any Vintage Cellars, Liquorland or First Choice Liquor Market store. Donations can also be made via Coles Online.

Brands including Chobani, Mount Franklin, Nando's and the Natural Chip Co. are also supporting the appeal, with a portion of sales from selected products sold in all Coles supermarkets or on Coles Online going towards the appeal. All funds raised will enable SecondBite to deliver unsold, edible fruit, vegetables, bread, and other grocery staples to more than 1,000 charities and community partners across Australia who provide food relief.

"The need for food relief is exacerbated this winter as many vulnerable Aussies are faced with choosing between heating or eating, finding they can no longer make their budget work to cover the necessities. The funds raised at Coles will help SecondBite to meet the increased demands and will help us to continue to rescue and deliver nutritious food free of charge to more than 1,000 community food partners," said SecondBite CEO Daniel Moorfield.

"Coles is incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with SecondBite which in turn supports local charities and community organisations across Australia including schools, neighbourhood houses, domestic violence crisis shelters and Indigenous health services," added Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells.

"Our partnership with SecondBite extends beyond raising funds so that they can continue their essential service of delivering rescued food to vulnerable Australians. Together, we are also tackling food waste by diverting unsold, edible food from landfill and onto the plates of those who need it most. Since 2011, Coles has donated the equivalent of over 250 million meals to SecondBite with food rescued from our supermarkets and distribution centres."

Specific donation amounts from product sales include: $0.10 for every Chobani Yogurt or Oatmilk product sold from 17 July to 13 August 2024; $0.10 for every Mount Franklin product sold from 26 June to 30 July 2024, up to a maximum donation limit of $200,000; $0.10 for every Natural Chip Co. Potato Chips 175g product sold and every Nando's Perinaise mayonnaise 465g, marinade 262g and Sweet Chilli Jam 285g product sold, from 17 July to 30 July 2024, up to a maximum donation limit of $50,000; and 20 cents for every Nando's PERi PERi sauce 250g product sold, from 17 July to 13 August 2024.

"Coles is also delighted to have the support from four of our suppliers this Winter Appeal - Chobani, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (Mount Franklin), Snack Brands (Natural Chip Co.) and Nando's. With their invaluable support, and with the support of customers who buy a participating product or $2 donation card, we hope to surpass our fundraising efforts from last year's Winter Appeal," Swindells concluded.