On Sunday, Arsenal Chief Executive, Vinai Venkatesham, stood alongside Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan, as well as community representatives and members of AISA and other supporters’ groups, as our visitors contributed food and other supplies to the Islington Foodbank. The contribution came alongside the launch of Green Football Weekend, which ran from February 2-5 this year, and focused on encouraging supporters to eat more sustainably.
Freddie Hudson, Head of Arsenal in the Community, said, “Both of our clubs have a long history in supporting the most vulnerable in our respective communities, and it’s heart-warming to come together like this in support of a shared cause.
“This weekend is a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring we do not let food go to waste, and that we work together to ensure a better outcome for our communities. We look forward to returning the gesture at our trip to Anfield next season.”
Forbes Duff, Head of Community Engagement at the LFC Foundation, added: “Through our Red Neighbours programme, we have been supporting foodbanks and community pantries for more than seven years helping to support thousands of people in our local communities.
“It’s great to be able to extend our support to Arsenal’s matchday collections for Islington Foodbank during Green Football Weekend.
“Building better futures for our people and our communities is part of the club’s sustainability strategy – The Red Way.”
Matchday collections for Islington Foodbank take place at all home matches, offering greater support to local residents in need.
Islington Foodbank was established in 2011 and operates from Highbury Roundhouse on Ronalds Road. Over the years, Islington Foodbank has become an established pillar of the community, offering services to the most vulnerable members of the community.
The food bank collection is open two hours before kick-off on matchdays, and supporters can bring their own donations to the north east corner of Emirates Stadium, near the Tony Adams statue and just down the steps from the Ken Friar bridge.
Preferred donations are tinned fish, baked beans, tinned soup, tinned fruit, shower gel, toothpaste and shampoo.
Since 2017 Liverpool has supported St Andrew’s Community Network, home of the North Liverpool Foodbank, and hosting food donations at every home fixture alongside Fans Supporting Foodbanks, which supplies 25 per cent of all donations to North Liverpool Foodbank.