Jordan Henderson Leads Liverpool FC In Support Of Food Bank

It’s been a weird week. In the US, everyone is still trying to figure out what the impacts are of the ever changing list of closures and suggestions for self-quarantine and social distancing are. It’s easy to get wrapped up in how this impacts ourselves as an individual, a family, or a community. It’s easy to get wrapped up in deciding what amongst the overwhelming list of content on Netflix to watch first to fill the void of not having sports on TV (Ritika suggest the Untamed). It’s easy to forget that there are a lot of people who depend on the support of others and their kindness for food. Jordan Henderson didn’t forget.

Liverpool’s captain saw a plea from the Fans Supporting Foodbanks account on twitter (@SFoodbanks), which organizes donations at Liverpool and Everton games. About a quarter of the goods and money received at the North Liverpool Foodbank come from game day donations. This, coupled with people stockpiling goods, meant sever shortages and a lot of uncertainty for the foodbank and the people who depend on it. Henderson apparently organized the first team squad to help cover what would be missed, and got in touch with Ian Byrne, a local MP and one of the organizers of the Fans Supporting Foodbanks group. Full quote from Byrne is below.

Following the captain’s lead, the LFC Foundation and the club itself have stepped in to help. Overall, there will be £10,000 per game missed will be donated over the next four weeks (when the current hiatus is scheduled to end) from the first team players and the LFC Foundation. The club will also donate an undisclosed amount of money, as well as excess food from Anfield and Melwood being donated as well.

Matt Parish, the director of the LFC Foundation, spoke of the commitment of the club and the community to the foodbank.

“The postponement of Premier League matches, particularly the Merseyside derby, means a potential shortfall in donations to the North Liverpool Foodbank – and as a club it is imperative we support its crucial work in the local community even further at this difficult time,” said Parish.

“We hope the collective backing of the club’s first-team players, LFC Foundation and Red Neighbours programmes, and staff, can help to alleviate concerns around the absence of the usual matchday collections. Our fans have consistently gone above and beyond in their backing for Fans Supporting Foodbanks in recent years and we would encourage anyone who is able to make a donation at any of our collection points or via the online fundraiser.”

It’s a great show of support from the Liverpool players, the LFC Foundation, and the club. It’s also a great reminder to all of us to take a look around our own communities and see who will be bearing the brunt of the impacts. If you’re in a position to, I encourage you to follow Jordan Henderson’s lead and find a local organization helping those in need to donate goods or money to. Reach out to others in your community to make sure they are ok.

Liverpool FC will be back, but in the meantime, take care of yourself and others.