By Gareth Roberts, Spirit of Shankly

At Spirit of Shankly, we’re often known for our work as a pressure group, campaigning on behalf of football supporters and holding the club and football authorities accountable. But there’s another side to what we do that’s equally important: our commitment to making a tangible difference in our communities.

Through the support of our members, we’re able to contribute approximately £10,000 a month to local causes, including the incredible work of Fans Supporting Foodbanks. This partnership between Reds and Blues, founded by Spirit of Shankly committee member Ian Byrne MP and Dave Kelly, formerly of the Blue Union, is tackling the issue of food poverty in our city.

From Wheelie Bins to Mobile Pantries

What began with simple food collections in wheelie bins outside pubs on matchdays has evolved into something far greater. Now, at every home game at Anfield and Goodison Park, volunteers run large-scale food collections starting three hours before kick-off. This initiative, known as Fans Supporting Foodbanks, has become a vital part of the local effort to fight food poverty.

But Fans Supporting Foodbanks doesn’t stop with matchday collections. They have taken their mission further by setting up mobile pantries that travel across Liverpool, delivering essential food supplies to those who need them most. These mobile pantries are a lifeline for thousands of families in the city, as highlighted by a recent impact study from Liverpool John Moores University.

A Community Effort

During a recent visit to one of the mobile pantries at Lodge Lane, I had the chance to meet some of the brilliant volunteers who make this work happen. I also met a few of the Liverpool FC Under-18 players, who were on hand to help out and contribute to this important cause. Their involvement is a testament to how community efforts, including those from our football clubs, can have a real, lasting impact.

The mobile pantries are not just about handing out food. They represent hope, solidarity, and a collective response to the rising cost of living and food poverty.

How You Can Get Involved

If you’re attending a Liverpool or Everton match over the Christmas period, why not make a small difference? Drop off a few food items at the collection points at Anfield or Goodison Park – every little bit helps, and it’s a simple way to show our community spirit, especially at this time of year.

If you’re not going to the match, you can still help. Simply make a donation via the QR code, this link, or consider becoming a member of Spirit of Shankly. Your membership contributes directly to these efforts, ensuring that we can continue supporting initiatives like Fans Supporting Foodbanks.

The Bigger Picture

The rise in food bank usage across the UK is a reflection of the growing challenges many families face. In 2014-15, 1 million people received emergency food parcels. By 2022-23, that number had nearly tripled to just under 3 million, with a third of those being children.

Spirit of Shankly’s work, through our partnerships and initiatives like Fans Supporting Foodbanks, is a small but significant part of the solution. Together, we can continue to tackle food poverty and support those in need.

Watch the Impact

Want to see the difference we’re helping to make? Check out this video from Lodge Lane, where we see the positive impact of Fans Supporting Foodbanks firsthand:

Join Us

By joining Spirit of Shankly, you’re not just supporting football fans – you’re supporting your community. You can become a member for just £10 a year, and Under-18s can join for free. Your membership helps fund initiatives like this, ensuring that we continue to be a voice for both fans and the community.

👉🏼 Join Spirit of Shankly today