People all over the country will be donating food to the homeless this weekend in a bid to spread some Chanucah cheer while beating the boycott.

IsrAction Day takes place on Sunday, with shoppers encouraged to buy Israeli products and give them to homeless shelters.

The initiative is the brainchild of grassroots groups Sussex Friends of Israel (SFI) and the Manchester-based North West Friends of Israel.

Preparations for the nationwide effort, which has been backed by the JC, are gathering pace. SFI executive member Fiona Sharpe said the campaign had been promoted not only in the UK but around the globe, with interest particularly high in the United States.

This week, members of the Jewish community in Cork, Ireland, signed up, while the Zionist Federation confirmed it would be organising a food drop-off point in north London.

Ms Sharpe said branches of Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Tesco and Morrisons in Brighton and Manchester have put up signs supporting IsrAction.

On the day, particpants are urged to visit the campaigns Facebook page to view updates, videos and photos.

Ms Sharpe said organisers were already planning for next year's IsrAction Day. "This is not a one-shot deal. It's the start of yearly event."