Ipswich and Norwich fans asked to help food banks in rival areas

Ipswich and Norwich fans have been asked to put their differences aside and support their rival team's local food banks ahead of Saturday's derby.

In January, Ipswich Town joined the national scheme Fans Supporting Foodbanks (FSF).

Town and City supporters have been asked to help through on-the-day donations and an online campaign.

Organiser Charlie Nixon said he hoped the initiative would "look beyond club colours" and stop people going hungry.

The FSF scheme was launched in 2015 by fans of Liverpool and Everton, with the belief that "hunger doesn't wear club colours".

So far this year, Ipswich Town FSF has raised £5,600 for local food bank FIND (Families in Need) and made up crates of physical donations.

On Saturday, attendees of the derby match at Portman Road will be able to donate physical items and cash at two locations - FanZone, within the stadium, and opposite the Plant Blue club shop.

Canaries supporters have been encouraged to support FIND, while the Blue Army has been asked to donate to Norwich Foodbank.

"The generosity of fans both home and away throughout 2023 has been overwhelming," said Mr Nixon.

"We are so proud of our fellow fans in supporting our endeavour to tackle food poverty in East Anglia, and hope that this latest initiative will look beyond club colours to make a tangible difference to the lives of those struggling in Norfolk and Suffolk."

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