Fans of Everton and Liverpool have set aside rivalries ahead of the Merseyside derby to raise awareness of an initiative that goes beyond club loyalty.
Those attending the 227th encounter at Goodison Park are being urged to take any non-perishable food they can spare to any of the three drop off points located around the stadium.
Set up by local supporter groups in conjunction with several local charities, the Fans Supporting Foodbanks initiative received the backing of both clubs and other supporter groups.
Volunteers from North Liverpool Foodbank are joined by supporters to help collect food donated by fans ahead of each Everton and Liverpool home game.
A total of 3191kg or 502 stone of food has been donated by fans of both clubs since collections started in the respective fan zones at Goodison Park and Anfield.
Over 2,500 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to local people by 10 foodbanks between April and September of this year according to the Trussell Trust.
The report notes that 978 went to children and concluded that top three reasons for foodbank referrals were benefit delay (34%), benefit change (24%) and low income (19%).
Liverpool fan and Fans Supporting Foodbanks founding member Ian Byrne: “In an ideal world we would not be having to do this but there are more and more families finding themselves having to use foodbanks.
“With winter and Christmas approaching it is vital Foodbanks get all the support they need.
“Liverpool and Everton fans have shown in recent years that campaigning together for the people of our city delivers results and we believe our actions can help those that need it the most in our community.”
Evertonian Dave Kelly, chair of the initiative, added: “The motto of the campaign states ‘hunger does not wear club colours’ and the dedication shown by fans from both sides of the park should be commended.”
Supporters wishing to donate are are encouraged to bring dry products such as rice or pasta, tinned products or packet products like breakfast cereals, biscuits, long-life milk, fruit juice and sugar.
Toiletries and children’s nappies are also welcome at either the Foodbank Van situation outside the Park End, St Luke’s Church or The Winslow pub on Goodison Road.