Everton FC and Liverpool FC players will mark the fifth anniversary of Fans Supporting Foodbanks by wearing a special patch with the initiative’ logo on their warm-up shirts ahead of this weekend’s Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.

The patches commemorate five years to the day that Dave Kelly, Ian Byrne MP and Robbie Daniels put tribal colours aside to collect food in the hope of supplying the growing demand for foodbanks on Merseyside. 

Since then, Fans Supporting Foodbanks has received the backing of both football clubs and the people in the city as well as other clubs and fans’ groups across the country.

The distinctive Fans Supporting Foodbanks collection van had been a permanent fixture at both Goodison Park and Anfield over the past five years. With Blues and Reds now supporting from home, there are still ways to support the campaign and help tackle food poverty across the city as foodbanks become an even more important community resource as Merseyside lives through the coronavirus pandemic and the impacts of stricter lockdown safety measures.

Dave Kelly, Chair of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, said:

“The Merseyside Derby is unique in world football. Unlike many others we have divided loyalties with Reds and Blues in the same family, both supporting our respective clubs with pride and passion. This City unlike no other, understands the concept of solidarity that truly encapsulates what we do. Food insecurity continues to grow, the 5th anniversary gives us all the opportunity to reflect on our initiative but also to thank supporters and the clubs who have joined us on our journey.”

Ian Byrne MP, Co-founder Fans Supporting Foodbanks, said:

“Its brilliant to see the fantastic support for Fans Supporting Foodbanks continue in hugely worrying times for our communities. The support of both clubs ahead of the Derby this week shows that the adage Unity Is Strength is alive and kicking on Merseyside.”

The warm-up tops worn by Everton FC and Liverpool FC players will be signed and auctioned to raise much-needed funds to sustain the demand of emergency food parcels as part of the campaign against food Insecurity.

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