Liverpool will help sustain foodbank collections during the Premier League’s hiatus.
Fans Supporting Foodbanks have regularly accepted donations outside the Reds’ home matches and those of local rivals Everton since 2015.
But Friday’s suspension of top-flight games until April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak means collections will not take place for three weeks.
In response, Anfield chiefs have pledged £10,000 for each of their remaining games at Anfield this season to ensure the foodbank effort can continue.
A separate cash donation will be made to the North Liverpool Foodbank while any excess food from the stadium and Melwood is also set to be donated.
Donation points are being set up at all of the club’s official stores across Liverpool in addition to the museum and tour areas inside Anfield itself.
An online fundraising page has also been created as an alternative to allow supporters to make a financial donation directly to North Liverpool Foodbank.
LFC Foundation staff will also be offering further support by arranging the collection and distribution of food donations during the period of suspension.
“The postponement of Premier League matches, particularly the Merseyside derby, means a potential shortfall in donations to the North Liverpool Foodbank,” said LFC Foundation director Matt Parish.
“And as a club it is imperative we support its crucial work in the local community even further at this difficult time.
“We hope the collective backing of the club’s first-team players, LFC Foundation and Red Neighbours programmes, and staff, can help to alleviate concerns around the absence of the usual matchday collections.
“Our fans have consistently gone above and beyond in their backing for Fans Supporting Foodbanks in recent years and we would encourage anyone who is able to make a donation at any of our collection points or via the online fundraiser.”
Priority items for North Liverpool Foodbank include:
UHT milk
Long-life juice or cordial
Coffee
Jar pasta/curry sauce
Tinned meat
Tinned vegetables
Instant mash
Rice pudding/custard
Jam
Toiletries
Cup-a-soup/noodles
Washing tablets