Today is World Hunger Day, and we would like to remind our supporters, participants and wider community that low-cost food is available from the Crown Oil Arena through the Food Pantry.
For a donation of £3, you can pick 10 items of food for you, a neighbour, colleague or family member to supplement your weekly shop.
If you are isolated or in need, you can request a parcel here: https://rochdaleafccommunity.org/dale-vs-hunger/.
The Food Pantry model is supported by the Community Warehouse, the Borough’s central collection/distribution point for foodbanks, pantries and other community organisations.
Based at the former Sparth Community Centre, the Community Warehouse was formed at the start of the pandemic and has seen demand skyrocket as food poverty levels also rise.
Ryan Bradley, Rochdale AFC Community Trust Director, has recently been appointed as a founder trustee/steering group member at the Community Warehouse to ensure that The Dale are playing their part.
He said: "I was involved in a similar project at Burnley FC and saw first-hand how food can play a positive impact in delivering change.
"The first team players visited the facility earlier this year and are really supportive of the work that goes on and I know it’s something they want to play a part in going forward.
"I am delighted to accept the position on the steering group and look forward to investing my time and expertise into establishing the Community Warehouse in Rochdale.
"The need for supplementary food and crisis parcels is on the rise, with demand in Rochdale far outweighing donations at present. We also need to ensure that there are healthy, dignified choices.
"Our core programmes, including employability support and mental health programmes, as well as our Pantry offer at the Crown Oil Arena, are part of our mission to make Rochdale a better place to live work and play."
As well as organising food collections as part of social action projects on programmes, Rochdale AFC Community Trust will also be looking to work with supporters groups to establish a regular match day collection.
If you can support with a food collection, please get in touch: community@rochdaleafc.co.uk.