“We are so grateful" - Pompey's postponed matchday food donation the latest in burgeoning relationship with Portsmouth Foodbank
Following the disappointment of last weekend’s cancelled home game between Portsmouth and Ipswich due to a frozen pitch - the good news was shared that the unused matchday food had been donated to a food bank.
On the face of it, it appeared a one-off good deed brought about by the unusual circumstances of a match being postponed before home fans had a chance to enter the gates of Fratton Park. However, the relationship between Portsmouth Football Club and Portsmouth Foodbank has been growing since a chance encounter in September 2023.
Bev Vaughan, a volunteer at the charity, had nominated one of her colleagues for the Individual Volunteer Award at Hive Portsmouth’s Inspiring Volunteer Awards.
The event was held at the home of Pompey and catered for by Piglets Pantry, the club’s catering partner. Bev noticed that there was a lot of food left over and after hearing it would be disposed of, she broached the subject of taking it for the foodbank - with the caterers happy to oblige.
It snowballed from there with Bev’s request for excess matchday food every home game happily agreed to by Piglets Pantry
Bev said: “Since September 2023 we have had a regular supply of delicious pies and sausage rolls. My husband and I collect a significant number of left over delights after most home games, which are then distributed to the many individuals and families who require additional food support at Portsmouth Foodbank.”
When it came to Sunday’s last minute cancellation, the club and its caterers knew exactly who to turn to.
Bev said: “I was contacted by Harriet Cannon of Piglet’s Pantry, who wondered if I knew where a significant amount roast beef dinner could be distributed at short notice. I then reached out to the Sunday Suppers team at St Simon’s Church, Waverley Road – who were delighted to receive enough roast beef dinners to feed over 60+ vulnerable people – the feedback was that the dinner was amazing.
“The generosity of Portsmouth Football Club and Piglet’s Pantry makes me proud that food is no longer wasted but redistributed to those who are hungry and in need.”
For the football club, it was a chance to give back to the community.
A spokesperson for Portsmouth Football Club said: “Both Portsmouth Football Club and its catering partner, Piglets Pantry, take their responsibility to the local community seriously. Football is at the heart of what we do, but we recognise that our role extends beyond the pitch.
“Donating the food was simply the right thing to do. We already work closely with the local foodbank and regularly donate surplus food, so when the match was postponed, it was an easy decision to make sure nothing went to waste and that the food went directly to people who need it most.”
A spokesperson for Portsmouth Foodbank added: “We are so grateful to receive these pies and sausage rolls. It makes such a difference to be able to offer our clients something extra that is fresh & filling alongside their usual food parcel.
“It's lovely to see how much it can brighten their days and how happy and grateful they are to receive such a generous treat given to them. We give our thanks to Fratton Park as well as Piglets Pantry.”