Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon supports Foundation team at NUCASTLE pantry
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon visited a local community pantry last week to support a dedicated team of volunteers who are helping to place food on the table for families facing financial challenges.
The United forward continues to further establish himself as a fan-favourite both on and off the pitch, with his latest contribution assisting staff who deliver an essential service for dozens of residents based near St. James’ Park.
In a collaboration between Newcastle United Foundation and Newcastle Foodbank, the Community Pantry @ NUCASTLE provides individuals and families with access to a range of food and general household essentials, in exchange for a nominal weekly fee. Designed as a minimal-cost social supermarket, the service helps to ease financial pressures for those with low-income streams.
Anthony Gordon joined one of the weekly Community Pantry services hosted at the Foundation’s community hub, NUCASTLE, to meet volunteers before taking a hands-on role to prepare stock and serve customers.
Within the last six months, around 50 families from within the NE4 postcode area surrounding NUCASTLE have registered to access the service which is supported by Newcastle United Foundation staff dedicating more than 200 hours of their time to help operate the pantry.
Speaking about his motivation for supporting the pantry, Anthony Gordon commented: “I come from a working-class city and family, so this is very close to my heart. While growing up, I experienced people struggling and I’ve always just wanted to do my bit, if I can help at all.
“It brings out emotion when you come to this sort of place and see how much they do for the public. 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 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, visit: yourlocalpantry.co.uk/join-a-pantry
For more information about the Foundation and programmes near you, follow Newcastle United Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and [X] (https://twitter.com/NU_Foundation/) for regular news and updates.