Jamie Carragher, John Bishop support Quorn on Merseyside Derby Day

Ahead of the upcoming Merseyside Clash, LFC legend Jamie Carragher and John Bishop are calling on fans from across the city to support Fans Supporting Foodbanks, in whatever way they can at Anfield on 13 February. To further raise awareness, LFC Sustainable Protein Partner Quorn Foods, will match the food donations made by fans on Derby Day.

In a new video, filmed to support the cause, Jamie recounts his memories of playing in the Merseyside Derby as the pair walk through the streets where he grew up. “For us footballers, especially on Derby Day, football seems like the biggest thing in the world, but it’s not. What people are going through today is,” he reflected.

“The ‘Double The Donations’ initiative is doing a great job to support the local community and raise awareness of the increasing need for foodbanks in Liverpool. We’re so grateful to the volunteers who dedicate their time to tackling food poverty, and we’re really pleased to be able to give them our support.”

Comedian John Bishop added: “It’s been inspiring to learn about the ‘Double The Donations’ initiative and the work of Liverpool FC & Everton fans, as well as the foodbank volunteers, who do crucial work to support the local community. You can’t help but also think, when you hear that 1 in 5 in the UK are now living in poverty, that it shouldn’t be their job. The Government must do better.”

The ‘Double The Donations’ initiative, sponsored by Quorn, comes as Merseyside foodbanks report a 96 per cent increase in demand year-on-year.

“We’re incredibly inspired by the volunteers and football fans who are fighting against food poverty in their community,” said Sam Blunt, Commercial Operations Director at Quorn Foods. “It’s their generosity and compassion that is making sure people get the help they need, and we’re proud to partner with Liverpool FC to support this important cause.”

“Whatever food is collected on matchday will be doubled thanks to Quorn, LFC’s Official Sustainable Protein Partner. Their ‘Double The Donations’ pledge is now in its second season and is helping to raise awareness of the issues of food poverty and raise food donations to alleviate food poverty pressures in the Liverpool City Region.

Fans Supporting Foodbanks was founded in 2015 and is a joint initiative between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, promoting a global message of football solidarity because hunger doesn’t wear club colours.

Fans Supporting Foodbanks started with just three fans collecting tins of food on match days. They now supply a massive 25 per cent of all donations to North Liverpool Foodbank.