MetLife is offering support to charity Foodbank Australia which it says will see more than 186,000 meals - equal to over 100,000 kilograms of food - reach Australians in need by summer next year.

Demand for food relief is up 48% since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Foodbank says.

“Some people are facing enormous challenges including getting access to something as basic as a nutritious meal,” MetLife Australia’s CEO Richard Nunn said.

The life insurer hopes its contribution will help thousands of Australians get the “energy they need and make it through this current situation,” Mr Nunn said.

The MetLife donation equates to a $2.3 million “social return on investment” after taking into account improvements in health, emotional wellbeing, social relationships and overall standard of living, the charity says.