Big-hearted footballers donate amazing amount to Chesterfield Foodbank amid pandemic

Chesterfield FC Women donated an amazing 413kg of goods to Chesterfield Foodbank, which provides emergency food and support to people in crisis.

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Sadie Henson, of the team, said: “The club is always looking at ways of giving back to our local community, and this week all of our junior and senior players pulled together and collected food, sanitary products and toiletries for the foodbank.

“We know that this year has been particularly hard and we just wanted to show our community that we will support them where we can.

“When speaking to the foodbank, it was really eye-opening to see how much they do and how much they need the support of the community.

“The foodbank emailed and said that we had donated an incredible 413kg of goods to them – to put this into perspective the big Tesco does 80-110kg in a week and schools usually achieve around 300kg.

“The women and girls achieved their total in just over a week – it’s a massive achievement and we are so pleased we can help support our local community.

“We will hopefully be doing this every few months and offering free tickets to families who are struggling to come and watch the game,” she added.

A spokesperson for Chesterfield Foodbank thanked Chesterfield FC Women and everyone else for their support at this difficult time.

They said: “It really will make a massive difference.

“We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry.

“That’s why we provide three days’ nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis.

“We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by the Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.”

The Trussell Trust’s latest research forecasts a 61 per cent increase in food parcels needed across its UK network in October to December – with the charity warning that the mass unemployment predicted will result in 670,000 additional people classed as destitute by the end of 2020, meaning they cannot afford essentials like food, energy and housing.

For more information about Chesterfield Foodbank, visit www.chesterfield.foodbank.org.uk

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