This weekend’s 238th Merseyside Derby will see both clubs uniting in fighting food poverty.
With the world watching one of the most played fixtures in English football, Fans Supporting Foodbanks is rallying both Blues and Reds around the globe to show their unity in the fight against food hunger in their own region.
The #FootbAllTogetherNow campaign was inspired by the generous actions of the fans of both clubs in the USA on the last derby day, who joined forces to raise funds for Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
This time the anti-hunger campaigners are asking supporters worldwide to look closer to home and unite in raising funds to combat food poverty in their own communities. An ambition which started with rival supporters uniting to feed the people of Liverpool, is now a message they want to spread across the globe.
Dave Kelly, co-founder of Fans Supporting Foodbanks said: “We’re delighted to receive the support of both football clubs in raising awareness of the fight against food poverty.
“Seeing what Blues and Reds can do when they come together is truly humbling. That’s why we want supporters to watch the game together virtually.
“The Covid pandemic means there many communities around the globe who are struggling, so this weekend we are asking Blues and Reds to come together to help out their own communities regardless of where they are in world through our #FootbAllTogetherNow campaign.
“While there may be footballing rivalry on-the-pitch there is clear unity off it as we work together around a historic fixture that will have worldwide attention in promoting a global message of solidarity.”
As with October’s Derby both teams will be wearing special edition pre-match training tops featuring the Fans Supporting Foodbanks emblem and encouraging the worldwide fanbase of both clubs to get involved and support the Fans Supporting Foodbanks campaign.
As a token of appreciation from both clubs, following the game the unique pre-match tops will be sent to international Supporters Clubs who have helped raise money and have supported their local community’s fight against food poverty.
Everton Players’ Life President Graeme Sharp said: “I’ve seen first-hand the work that Fans Supporting Foodbanks do and it is not just limited to matchdays but seven days a week and 365 days a year.
"There is a clear need to support those less fortunate in all our communities and this campaign is about using football as a force for good and an opportunity or action.
"As they were in October’s derby, I know the players will be proud to display their support on the training tops.”
The launch of the #FootbAllTogetherNow campaign also marks a proud moment for the City of Liverpool, which is to become the first city in the country to officially back a call for the right to food to be enshrined in law.
The campaign supported by Everton means the #RighttoFood will be part of the Government’s National Food Strategy which is the first independent review of England’s entire food system in 75 years and aims to identify the appropriate food system required to build for the future and eradicate hunger.
Colin Harvey, Everton Giant and Life President of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, added: “Sadly we can’t be at the match but please remember those in our community – Blue and Red – who need our help, especially in the face of the COVID pandemic.
"They can’t collect at the match at the moment but Fans Supporting Foodbanks still need your help and if you are able, please make a donation so they can get food to people who need it.”
Supporters from around the world are asked to share images and updates of their activities on social media using the hashtag #FootbAllTogetherNow.
How to donate: To support the work carried out by Everton in the Community, North Liverpool Foodbank and Fans Supporting Foodbanks, you can donate to Everton’s Blue Family campaign by clicking here.
Alternatively, donations can be made to Fans Supporting foodbanks by visiting https://donorbox.org/fanssupportingfoodbanks5years or directly to the North Liverpool Foodbank by simply texting FOODBANKFC to 70460. Donations will cost £5, plus your standard network message rate.
People can also donate food directly to St Andrews Community Network, 16-18 Larkhill Lane, Clubmoor, Liverpool, L13 9BR from Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm.
Some of the priority items 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
• Toothpaste
• Shower gel
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
