Barnsley players, Aiden Marsh, and Conor Grant paid a visit to the Barnsley Foodbank on Thursday, 28^thMarch in support of our Reds Against Hunger Campaign. The players were given a tour of the Foodbank warehouse before getting stuck in to sorting stock and packing emergency parcels for those in need around Barnsley. 

“It’s massively important that we help out in our local community,” said Grant. “Just coming down here with Marshy it puts things into perspective and how lucky we are do what we do. To come down here and help is really special.”

“It’s a place where people come for need. Just walking around, you can see how friendly everybody is,” echoed Barnsley-born Marsh. “We’ve had a chat with a few people, and everyone is very welcoming. If you are need, it’s a very good place to come. Credit to everyone here, it is eye-opening.”

The Barnsley Foodbank is seeded by the Trussell Trust and is working towards stopping hunger in the local area. The Reds against Hunger campaign was set up to get Reds fans involved in supporting the work the Foodbank do for families living in food poverty. 

The visit is strengthening the re-Launch of Reds Against Hunger which kicked back off in January this year and sees Barnsley FC Community Trust post-16 students take on monthly volunteer slots in the Foodbank warehouse. 

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face hunger. We are asking for donations of food to help the struggling families in the Barnsley.  Fans are invited to bring non-perishable, in-date food to the match against Reading on 13^th April 2024. The donation point will be in the Ozone situated in the South Stand and will be open from 12:30pm until kick off. 

The Barnsley FC Community Trust reception based in the Indoor training will also be a designated drop-off point in the week leading up to the game for supporters that are unable to attend the game. 

Barnsley Foodbank Communications Officer, Georgina Arnold said:  “We are thrilled to be partnering with Barnsley FC and Barnsley FC Community Trust again. As well as helping out and volunteering in our warehouse, it’s great to have the players getting involved with encouraging donations at the match too. So many individuals across Barnsley request emergency food support each day, so by getting donations through this amazing initiative, we’re able to help so many more. A big, good luck to our Reds in the match too.”

Barnsley FC Community Trust Head of Foundation Kieron Campbell said, “We are delighted to be able to support the ongoing work of the Barnsley Foodbank. Holding a match day donation is a great opportunity for fans to get involved and really support their efforts of ending food poverty, even the smallest of donations can make a big difference.” 

Barnsley FC Chief Executive Officer Jon Flatman said, “Barnsley Foodbank has seen an unprecedented increase on the demand of their support in recent months, therefore, we feel it is important we use our fortunate platform to support the incredible work they do for those in need. 

“The donation point for our game against Reading is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the crucial work they do for those in need within our town. 

For more information about Barnsley Foodbank’s work please visit their website here.