Sunderland Foodbank: Why it’s important that we help our fellow Wearsiders in their time of need

At the heart of Football is community, and at the heart of community are good people willing to dedicate their time and money to supporting those in need.

No one wants to rely on food banks to feed their children, but while we may feel powerless to fight the institution that has caused his hardship, we can fight to bring a modicum of security to the most vulnerable by giving a few spare coins or an hour of our time over to a cause like this. Where people would otherwise face malnourishment, food banks are the flickering flame of a beacon in an otherwise dark night.

The people at the Sunderland Foodbank do an amazing job of ensuring that families all over Wearside don’t go without - but unless people assist with their kind donations, none of it is possible.

This Saturday, ahead of Sunderland’s game with Walsall, the Foodbank volunteers will be taking donations from their spot located inside the Fanzone at the Beacon of Light. This is an opportunity for supporters to bring a bag or tin of food/toiletries with them on their way into the ground, or to even stick a few quid in the tin.

Whatever you can give, it all helps.

SFB (Facebook)

How can you donate?

Supporters attending Saturday’s game against Walsall can bring their donations to the Beacon of Light, which will be hosting the indoor Fanzone for the afternoon.

The area will be well-signed with Foodbank banners, and the volunteers will be wearing jackets so that you can pick them out from the crowd if you’d like to drop your items off, donate some money or speak to someone about the project.

Donations will be accepted from 12.30pm.

What sort of things can you donate?

• Toiletries – e.g., deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, tooth paste, hand wipes;
• Household items – e.g., laundry liquid detergent, laundry powder, washing up liquid;
• Feminine products – e.g., sanitary towels and tampons;
• Baby supplies – e.g., nappies, baby wipes and baby food. Please note, due to advice from UNICEF Sunderland Foodbank cannot accept donations of formula milk.
• Dry foods - e.g., pasta, biscuits, cereal, porridge, rice;
• Tinned food - e.g., meat, beans, potatoes, fruit, fish, custard, rice pudding, vegetables;
• Jars - e.g., pasta sauces, stir-in sauces, soups;
• Drinks - e.g., coffee, tea, hot chocolate.

Sunderland Foodbank