Three new food banks around the country say they'll provide some four million meals to needy families this year, through a network of 53 charities.

The idea is to redistribute surplus foods from retailers and manufacturers, which would otherwise end up in the bin.

The Bia initiative began in Cork. Lunchtime presenter Jonathan Healy spoke with some of those involved, starting with Karen Horgan, who is the project manager and provided him with a tour of the food banks.

The new programme, a partnership between Lidl Ireland and the Bia Food Initiative, will have surplus food collected from participating Lidl stores and distributed among 56 charities.

Lidl is providing the motor insurance, van and fuel for the project while Bia is providing the trained volunteers.

According to the Irish Examiner, over 10% of people in Ireland are reportedly affected by food poverty.

 You can listen to Jonathan Healy's report below: