United, City to donate to food banks

Responding to an initiative already run by fans of both clubs, United and City will donate 50,000 pounds each to the Trussell Trust, a support network of more than 1,200 food banks. “We are proud of the role our supporters are playing in helping local food banks and recognise the increased strain likely to be placed on these charities because of the impact of Coronavirus,” a joint club statement said on Saturday.

“At a time of challenge for our community, we are pleased to come together with our fans to help vulnerable members of society in a City United.” The donations will help food banks compensate for the loss of food donations the clubs usually provide on matchdays. It is to be noted that English football has been suspended until the end of April at the earliest.

Aston Villa distributed 1,000 packed lunches, intended for matchday staff at its postponed game with Chelsea, to local homeless organisations and sheltered accommodation units. Newcastle United also donated 1,200 pies and a range of cold meats to a food bank after last weekend’s postponed fixture.

Brighton and Hove Albion is ringing self-isolating elderly fans to offer support. “We are a community club and it’s a small but a practical thing we can do to support people that mean a lot to us and who have been there for the club over many years,” said Brighton chief executive Paul Barber.

Chelsea is allowing frontline medical staff to use its hotel at Stamford Bridge, while Burnley and Everton are supporting food banks and food delivery to vulnerable members of the community. “We know there are going to be difficult times for people and their families with regards to work and income,” said Burnley captain Ben Mee.

Watford’s ‘Hornets At Home’ was set up to provide assistance to elderly and disabled supporters while West Ham United have donated toiletries and toilet rolls to a local homeless shelter. West Ham captain Mark Noble has donated money he receives from a newspaper column to a local food bank.

“We need to help the elderly, vulnerable and sick of our society and help minimise the effects of this illness,” said Noble. “I can only try to imagine what it is like at the moment for an elderly person who lives on their own. We all need to chip in and help.”