Football supporting foodbanks
Newcastle United and West Ham United supporting their local foodbanks and changing the perception of football fans in England
Every matchday both Newcastle Fans Foodbank and Irons Supporting Foodbanks organise matchday collections to help support local foodbanks in their area. Both foodbanks are part of a wider, national scheme of Fans Supporting Foodbanks.
There is often a negative perception of football fans in England. But fan initiatives such as these foodbank collections are helping to change attitudes.
Whether it's north or south, the need for foodbanks are still a reality for many across the UK. The collections help those who are less fortunate in the area and show the importance of football fans in the community.
Colin Whittle is involved in supporting the NUFC Fans Foodbank. He spoke to me before Newcastle played Man City on the 22nd November 2025.
"We decided as football supporters we wanted to do something to help our local community."
Photo: @BillCorcoran5
"It was January 2019, I think it was, and unfortunately seven years later we're still here, which is pretty sad. We'll be here whilst there's a need. We collect before every match, two hours before every match and we've had the overwhelming support of our supporters."
"So, I think supporters have been given a very bad representation over the years. It's always been uncalled for in my view, but this shows us in a good light. It's very rare that good things get publicised.
The press media like to publicise the bad things, but I think things like this show that the supporters are coming together to make a real, real impact and support for the local community."
NUFC Fans Foodbank supporting Newcastle Foodbank
Newcastle Foodbank opened in March 2013 and primarily helped communities in the west of the city. Since then a further seven distribution hubs have been set up to help reach more communities across the city.
Since it's foundation over 12 years ago the demand for the foodbank has increased. Between 31st March 2023 to 1st April 2024 the foodbank issued the highest amount of food parcels to date - 25,570. This represented an increase of 8% on the previous year.
In 2016 NUFC Fans Foodbank was set up to generate donations on a Newcastle United matchday. Inspired by the Fans Supporting Foodbanks in Merseyside, coming into contact with 50,000 fans every week seemed a good way to support the foodbank.
Since their foundation NUFC Fans Foodbank now have their matchday donations matched by part-owner of the club, Jamie Reuben. Donations sometimes reach up to £3,000 on a matchday.
"We've got the Bishop of Newcastle, the Mayor helps out, the MP helps out, lots of MPs help out, the media have helped, above all, the people have helped."
https://www.newcastlefoodbank.org/
NUFC fans foodbank are even more important around Christmas time. They often have an appeal for advent calendars so no children in the local area go without one.
Newcastle vs Manchester City 22/11/25 - £2832.25 raised.
Newcastle vs Fulham 25/10/25 - £2316.29 raised.
@BillCorcoran5
Newcastle vs Benfica 21/10/25 - £2,268.19 raised
@BillCorcoran5
Newcastle vs Barcelona 18/09/2025 - £3,181.21 raised.
@BillCorcoran5
Irons Supporting Foodbanks
Irons Supporting Foodbanks do their matchday collections before West Ham United games outside the London Stadium.
Founded in 2019, they have estimated to have raised over £250,000 of food, with some 60 tonnes being delivered to local communities.
The group originally supported foodbanks in Newham but now they have grown to help support over 120 foodbanks, community groups and homeless centres across east London and Essex.
The 2025/26 season saw West Ham recognise Irons Supporting Foodbanks as an official club charity partner. The club also donated a gazebo for them to use on matchdays.
https://ironsfoodbanks.co.uk/
"We got things from from 60 pound tracksuit tops down to socks, all brand new, mouse mats, even beanie hats, pictures, posters, everything, everything, the whole manner of stuff."
Irons Supporting Foodbanks also help support homeless centres and community centres through donations of clothes.
The matchday collections often gain support from local politicians and people of power.
This photo is from the Newcastle United vs Everton collection 25/05/25
@BillCorcoran
Andy Burnham - Mayor of Greater Manchester
Kim McGuinness - Mayor of North East England
Trussell
Trussell are an anti-poverty charity who have over 1,400 foodbanks in the UK. Their 36,000 volunteers ensure people without enough money have enough food and practical support.
Graph: Canva Photo: @IFoodbanks
- During the year 2024/25, 2.9 million food parcels were distributed by Trussell foodbanks
- This represents a 51% increase over the last five years
- Over 1 million of the food parcels were for children
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