A local charity has partnered with Fairmont hotels to launch a programme that will feed the estimated 3,500 Bermudians now going hungry.

The Eliza DoLittle Society will run the scheme Daily Bread, which will distribute donated food to the Island's neediest. "We have, for years, wanted to do something more meaningful for the needy, hungry and homeless of Bermuda, over and above feeding around Christmas and the holidays," said Tony Forster, the charity's chairman and co-founder.

Beginning in September, the Daily Bread programme will deliver surplus food from the Island's hotels and restaurants to various churches, schools and shelters.

The initiative is being sponsored by Fairmont Bermuda, which will also provide the first month's supply of food.

Allied World Assurance and the insurer Hiscox, provided the programme with an office and a refrigerated van.

"The current economy has made the provision of basic sustenance challenging," said Norman Mastalir, managing director of Fairmont Bermuda. "We are honoured to be working with the Eliza DoLittle Society on the Daily Bread programme to provide a basic meal to those who need it most."

The scheme is based on a similar programme in Toronto called Second Harvest, which has delivered surplus food to the city's homeless for 25 years. Anyone wishing to volunteer or donate money or food to the programme should call 333-4483 or visit elizadolittle.com.