HUNGER DOESN'T WEAR CLUB COLOURS
A multimedia journalism project, inspired by the football foodbank movement.
HUNGER SAVERS
Where did it all begin?
In December 2018, Beth Richardson and Millie Lockhart went to St James Park to talk to football supporters about what makes them happy. This was for the international Pop Up Newsroom 'Health and Wellbeing'.
It was then that we met Bill Corcoran, who alongside Steve Hastie and Colin Whittle, started NUFC Fans Foodbank.
Every home match day, the three men and countless other fan volunteers collect money and food for the West End Foodbank, before heading in to watch the game.
We were both so inspired by their story that we decided to focus our multimedia project on the Fans Foodbank and their work with West End Foodbank.
Along this journey we have seen the cyclical nature of the foodbank. Many of those who have benefited from the foodbank now also volunteer.
Below you will find our first interview with Bill and Colin. Keep scrolling to find out some facts about the foodbank. Throughout the site there are more stories from volunteers, those who have benefitted and also the founders of the UK's first football foodbank.
Enjoy!
Beth, Millie, Stacey, Shirley, Jessica and Lechen.
THE MORE YOU KNOW...
WEST END FOODBANK
The West End Foodbank, in Newcastle, is the UK's largest foodbank. They offer emergency assistance to those who need it the most.
John McCorry, Carole Rowland, Gemma Whaley, and many, many more work and volunteer at the foodbank's two centres: the Lillia Centre in Benwell and the Church of the Venerable Bede.
They not only feed people, but they also give people financial advice and health support.
​
NUFC FANS FOODBANK
The NUFC Fans foodbank was founded in February 2017 by Bill Corcoran, Steve Hastie and Colin Whittle, in partnership with the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and NUFC Fans United.Â
They collect money and food donations outside St James' Park, at the Gallowgate end. They also have a donation station at Grainger Market.
Last year the Chronicle reported that the fans had raised £150,000 in just over a year for the West End Foodbank.
TRUSSELLÂ TRUST
The Trussell Trust is a nationwide group that support 1,200 foodbanks, including the West End Foodbank, across the UK.
Their statistics show that over 14 million people in the UK are living in poverty.
Their website shows that in 2018-2019 33.11% of people use foodbanks because their income does not cover the cost of essentials.
​