Premier Christian Media has joined forces with hunger relief charity Feed the Hungry to provide food aid ahead of Christmas.

Churches across the UK are being encouraged by Premier and Feed the Hungry to give non-perishable food items to food banks and similar community projects in the lead up to Christmas.

The project was inspired by Matthew 25:35 which reads: "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in."

Participating churches will be supplied with special bags containing a check list suggesting the sort of non-perishable food items which they should donate to local food banks.

They are also being asked to collect food at their main Christmas carol service before passing it on to food banks.

A promotional video featuring British presenter Pam Rhodes will be distributed alongside the food collection bags at the end of November.

Peter Kerridge, Premier's CEO, explained that the project has been inspired by the rising costs of living and unemployment leaving many struggling to afford food.

He said: "Our project has been driven by difficulties associated with the economic downturn, such as rising costs of living and unemployment, meaning that many people are now struggling to provide food for their families.

"We cannot be idle when there is food poverty in our communities. It is our duty, as Christians, to help those in need."

Mr Kerridge explained that the initial response to the project has been extremely promising and he is confident for the months ahead.

He said: "The initial response to the project has been extremely encouraging and we are confident that churches across the country will find this a useful initiative to help them raise much needed food supplies for their communities."