Chester FC and Chester FC Community Trust are asking supporters to help tackle the growing issue of food poverty in the countdown to Christmas.
 
Each year the club collects donations for families and individuals in crisis within our community. Donated items will be given to West Cheshire Foodbank and two local organisations established in response to COVID-19: Crossroads Community Hub in Hoole and Blacon Beacon, ensuring they reach those most in need.
 
The unprecedented impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy and our society means more people find themselves in financial crisis and struggling to feed their families.
 
Fans wishing to donate items to this year’s foodbank collection will be able to do so on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 1pm while national restrictions remain in place.
 
A drop-off station allowing contactless donations will be available at the Blues Bar entrance during these times.
 
Once restrictions have been lifted and the Blues Bar community cafe has reopened, donations can be made between 9am and 2pm on weekdays.
 
Donations are welcome from fans and the wider community and a list of requested can be found below.
 
Adam Langan, director of Chester FC and Project Coordinator at Crossroads Community Hub, said: “Sadly, demand is increasing as furlough comes to an end, families and individuals who have never accessed anything like this before are needing help. The generosity of the people and businesses of Chester has already blown me away and I know Chester fans will be happy to help.”
 
Requested items needed most are corned beef, tuna, biscuits, Christmas treats, crisps, meatballs, tea bags, coffee, Pot Noodles and pasta sauces (non-tomato).
 
The following items are also welcome: toiletries, dog food, nappies (size 3 or 4), UHT milk, UHT juice, cereal, tinned custard, curry sauce, jams, cup soup, instant mash, tinned vegetables, tinned tomatoes, tinned fruit, spreads, rice pudding and Christmas pudding (no alcohol content).
 
For further information or to arrange making a donation to the club’s collection outside of the times listed above email community@chesterfc.com.