CommunityBack Fans Supporting Foodbanks collection at the Merseyside derby
Ahead of tonight's Merseyside derby, Liverpool FC is encouraging its fans to donate what they can to Fans Supporting Foodbanks' collection to help tackle local food poverty.
Fans attending this evening’s game at Goodison Park can drop off any non-perishable food donations at the collection point, which is located next to the Wilmslow Hotel and Pub on Goodison Road.
Staffed by supporters and volunteers from the North Liverpool Foodbank, the drop-off point will open two hours before kick-off at 6.15pm and will close at 8pm.
All food collected will be donated to the North Liverpool Foodbank, which provides local people in food crisis with essential three-day food parcels.
In the three weeks leading up to Christmas, North Liverpool Foodbank will provide more than 1,000 Christmas food parcels for local individuals and families in crisis. Some of the key items on the foodbank’s current priority list include basmati rice, jam, instant mash, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, tinned rice pudding, bottled squash, cup a soup, pot noodle and jars of sauces, as well as seasonal food items such as mince pies, chocolates and biscuits.
The FSF initiative, which was set up by local Liverpool and Everton supporter groups, is delivered in conjunction with North Liverpool Foodbank, Anfield Breckside Community Centre, Unite in the Community, and the Trussell Trust.
Fans Supporting Foodbanks joint-founder Dave Kelly said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit suddenly. Foodbanks across the country have given out record numbers of food parcels this year, and no-one should face food poverty in the age we live in.
“With the effects of the pandemic still being felt and Christmas approaching, matchday donations provide vital support to our local area. They are and will continue to be a real lifeline for those needing a helping hand. The support we have had from fans of all the Merseyside clubs has been incredible over the past six years and we hope everyone continues to support this important cause by making donations on this evening.”
For more than four years, LFC has worked with and supported St Andrew’s Community Network – home of the North Liverpool Foodbank and Fans Supporting Foodbanks – on the ongoing issue of food poverty, which continues to affect its local communities.
Throughout December as part of its LFC Operation Christmas Magic campaign, the club will host festive food collections at all home fixtures, encouraging fans and staff to donate essential food items to the Foodbank and Pantry Network across the Liverpool City Region.
Fans attending home games can drop off any non-perishable food donations at the foodbank collection points, which are located on Flagpole Corner outside the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, the Anfield superstore on Walton Breck Road, and Homebaked bakery on Oakfield Road.
The Flagpole Corner collection point is open three hours before kick-off and remains open for 15 minutes after kick-off. Food can be dropped off at the Anfield superstore during its opening hours and at Homebaked before kick-off.
Fans can also donate directly to the North Liverpool Foodbank by simply texting FOODBANKFC to 70460 to donate £5 or by visiting www.standrewslive.org.uk/donate.
Alongside foodbank collections, the club will be hosting its annual Red Neighbours Christmas lunches again this month at Anfield as part of its annual LFC Operation Christmas Magic campaign and will welcome 500 local residents to enjoy a festive three-course lunch in the Boot Room Cafe and a whole host of entertainment.
In addition, LFC is donating and delivering 1,150 Christmas food hampers to residents, participants and their families in Anfield and Kirkby. The hampers, which will provide four days’ worth of fresh food for a family of four to enjoy, include a fresh turkey with all the trimmings for the perfect roast dinner, as well as a host of festive treats for that extra-special touch.
One thousand free meals are made by chefs at Anfield and distributed every week to schools, churches, sports groups, community centres and charities in north Liverpool and Kirkby. To date, LFC has provided 124,500 free meals to local families since the beginning of the pandemic.
More information on the club’s activities as part of its LFC Operation Christmas Magic campaign is available here.
This article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.