Charlton Athletic has joined forces with Fans Supporting Foodbanks to help locals in need over Christmas. Supporters will again be able to donate non-perishable food at The Valley before Charlton’s home game against Gillingham this Saturday, after a successful collection event before the game against AFC Wimbledon last weekend.
The items collected by Fans Supporting Foodbanks will be given to Greenwich Foodbank, which operates eight foodbanks in the borough, and is in desperate need during the busy Christmas period.
Last year, Greenwich Foodbank fed 7,505 people. This year it looks like numbers could be as much as 20 per cent higher, meaning a constant supply of food is crucial.
Charlton fan Samuel Spong created Fans Supporting Foodbanks after being inspired by a similar initiative in Liverpool. He said: “The aim is to utilise the collective power of football fans to help vulnerable local residents get through Christmas. This is the first time we have done something like this and Charlton, given its long-standing commitment to community work, seemed like a natural partner.”
Alan Robinson of Greenwich Foodbank said: “We are very excited by this initiative. We know that Charlton Athletic and their fans care deeply about our community and to partner with them to explore a new source of food at a time when demand is increasing gives us confidence for the future.”
What is a non-perishable food?
Non-perishable foods have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration. Examples include cereals, rice, long life milk or canned meat or fish. The current urgent needs are shown on the website https://greenwich.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/.
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