Newcastle United star helps out local community ahead of Manchester United clash

Anthony Gordon visited a local community pantry last week to support the dedicated volunteers helping to feed families facing hardship in Newcastle.

The football star popped into the Community Pantry set up in collaboration between Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Foodbank. The pantry is a minimal-cost social supermarket providing access to a range of food and general household essentials to ease financial pressures for those with low income.

Anthony Gordon joined volunteers of the weekly Community Pantry services at the Foundation’s community hub, NUCASTLE, and got stuck in preparing stock and serving customers.

“I come from a working-class city and family, so this is very close to my heart,” said Gordon.

“While growing up, I experienced people struggling and I’ve always just wanted to do my bit, if I can help at all.”

Within the last six months, around 50 families from within the NE4 postcode have registered to access the service.

“It brings out emotion when you come to this sort of place and see how much they do for the public,” continued Gordon. “I find it really heartwarming and it helps to keep your feet on the ground.

“Everyone involved here today should be immensely proud. I’ve always thought that people in these places are superheroes; the amount of support they provide for those in need is incredible.”

Andy Foster, Director of Programmes and Impact at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “There are lots of complex reasons why a family or individual may find themselves in crisis and we don’t believe health, financial hardship, housing, caring responsibilities, or any other emergency issue should mean our community must face going hungry.

 “Working alongside Newcastle Foodbank, we are proud to provide a home for the Community Pantry here at NUCASTLE. Our base in Newcastle’s West End allows us to understand and respond to the acute needs of residents in the area.

 “Welcoming Anthony along to the pantry provides a real boost to those accessing this service and on behalf of Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Foodbank, we’d like to thank Anthony for getting involved and making a real difference for families and individuals in need.”

Community pantries are hosted by organisations across the North East and are accessible to individuals who meet the specified criteria set out by Your Local Pantry. For more information and to register attendance at a pantry, please visit: www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/join-a-pantry