A group of Ipswich Town fans have come together to "fight against poverty" by supporting a local foodbank.
The fan-led initiative is working in partnership with Ipswich Town Foundation to encourage supporters to donate food items in the club's FanZone for local charity partner, Ipswich FIND (Families in Need).
The campaign kicked off at Portman Road ahead of Ipswich Town's match against Plymouth Argyle this afternoon - with collections being organised monthly at first.
"We are excited to launch a Fans Supporting Foodbanks group in Ipswich," said spokesman and organiser of the initiative, Charlie Nixon.
"Football clubs are the heart of community and we are hoping to galvanise the wonderful fan base of Ipswich Town Football Club around a further force for good.
"We are extremely pleased that the Ipswich Town Foundation is supportive of the group and look forward to working in partnership at upcoming matchdays."
The group has been borne out of the idea that football fans can come together - even if they back different teams - to "fight against poverty".
It is an arm of the original Fans Supporting Foodbanks initiative that launched in 2015 - which initially saw Liverpool and Everton followers come together to show solidarity with those experiencing poverty.
More than 40 teams in the English football pyramid are represented by Fans Supporting Foodbanks groups and the collective has the aim of having a fans group in every club in the UK.
Nationally, the group has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of donations for local causes.
"We will look to organise collections monthly to begin with, but we are looking to host them more regularly, home and away, as the group builds," added Mr Nixon.
"Those interested in supporting the group can find us in the FanZone or contact us using ITFC.FSF@gmail.com."
If you are interested in donating, examples of wanted items include:
- Sugar
- Milk (UHT or dried)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tinned meat/fish
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Tinned fruit/vegetables
- Coffee/tea
- Jam
- Cereals
- Small chocolate or snack bars
- Tinned soup
- Pasta sauce
- Pasta
- Toiletries
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