FOOTBALL fans from across the UK will descend on St James’ Park this week to discuss the sport’s role in helping Britain’s foodbanks.
The stadium’s events and catering partner, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, has joined forces with the club to sponsor a Fans Supporting Foodbanks event on Friday 13 October.
The meeting has been organised by the Football Supporters Federation and will bring fans from other parts of the country to Newcastle to learn from members of the NUFC Fans Foodbank movement, which was set up by fans to support the Newcastle West End Foodbank.
The group, which was set up in January 2017, has established a manned collection point outside St James’ Park on home match days, to seek donations for the UK’s biggest foodbank.
Supporters have now donated tonnes of food items which have then been taken straight to the foodbank, to help under-privileged people and those who need emergency food in the city.
The Football Supporters Federation is hoping that fans from other clubs across the country will be inspired by the work already done in Newcastle, and has arranged the event to enable them to learn more about the challenges facing foodbanks, with input from the foodbank organisers, local councillors and MPs.
The work being done by the NUFC Fans Foodbank movement is second to none, and it comes as no surprise that these kind-hearted Newcastle fans are inspiring others across the UK,” said Frankie Angus, general manager for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events at St James’ Park
“We are delighted to be able to offer our support by sponsoring this important meeting at St James’ Park. I’m sure that the event will be a huge success, and hopefully many more similar schemes can be created nationwide.
“Newcastle United fans are among the greatest in the world, and the work they have done to help Newcastle West End Foodbank is something to be very proud of.”
The Fans Supporting Foodbanks meeting will take place from 11am-3pm on Friday 13 October at St James’ Park. Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to email info@fsf.org.uk