Tonight’s derby will witness another unique collaboration as Liverpool and Everton football clubs join the local grassroots initiative. ‘Fans supporting Foodbanks’.

The scheme, spearheaded by Spirit of Shankly and Everton Supporters Trust was set up just before the last derby, in October. Backed by the HJC and Unite the Union, its aim has been to support the work of ABCC (Anfield Breckside Community Centre) and North Liverpool Foodbank, by asking fellow supporters to donate.

And now, mobile foodbank collection points will be set up at Anfield and Goodison Park on matchdays, starting tonight where a manned drop-off will be stationed in the Centenary Stand car park.

“It is fantastic that the clubs are supporting this initiative and we hope it proves to be a long, successful partnership,” SOS committee member, Ian Byrne said. People in the Anfield and Breckfield areas continue to be among the neediest in our city. We’d like to encourage fans to drop off basic food items such as tinned fish, UHT milk or tinned vegetables to help local people in crisis.”

His sentiment is echoed by Dave Kelly of EST: “We are delighted with the support and it’s great to have the clubs working alongside supporters groups to deliver a grassroots initiative. We hope fans will support it too.”

Under the banner #hungerdoesn’twearclubcolours the project will run for every home game until the end of the season, with donations split equally between the two foodbank organisations.

The success of the programme to date owes much to the work of SOS and EST, but we know none if it could have happened without your support. We urge you, and fans of all clubs, to continue to give as much as they can tonight, and every game. #hungerdoesn’twearclubcolours

Thank you.