Wolves' Feed Our Pack project celebrates one-year anniversary
A project which has provided additional food to foodbanks, put on holiday activities in schools and delivered food parcels has celebrated its one-year anniversary.
Feed Our Pack was launched by Wolves Foundation with a £500,000 investment thanks to the Premier League PFA Community Fund and a personal donation from former Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
In its first 12 months supporters across the world have raised more than £80,000 to ensure the project can help even more people.
The project has linked up with many different partners, to deliver both food and other support to those who have been affected by the pandemic.
Nick Perchard, head of community at the Premier League, said: "Feed our Pack is an excellent example of how football clubs have played a vital role in supporting their communities over the past two years.
"The way in which Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Wolves Foundation and fans have come together, to help reduce the effects of food poverty in the city has been inspiring.
"Alongside Nuno, we are pleased to support this important work via the Premier League PFA Community Fund, which enables clubs to help their communities recover from the Covid-19 pandemic."
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, added: "City of Wolverhampton Council's Strengthening Families Hubs reached out to the Wolves Foundation for support for families who were struggling for a variety of reasons.
"The response was fantastic and support with basic supplies was instantaneous.
"Their partnership with the His Church Charity meant that household supplies, toiletries and warm clothing was provided to those most in need, including refugee and migrant families.
"Throughout the year, Feed Our Pack has distributed food and has provided activities and meals to alleviate holiday hunger. More recently, toys were gifted to children who would have otherwise gone without Christmas presents.
"It has been a very hard time for some of the families that we have been working with due to the rising cost of living and the support provided has made all the difference to our children in need across the city.
"I look forward to our continued partnership with Wolves Foundation and Feed Our Pack in 2022."
The Foundation has received the support of other businesses and charities including Wolves’ catering partners Levy UK.
It has also worked closely with Wolverhampton Council to understand and pinpoint the needs within the community.
Former Wolves captain and Wolves Foundation ambassador Karl Henry said: "Feed Our Pack has been such an important project in supporting those who have been affected by the pandemic over the last year.
"As a proud Wulfrunian, I know the strong sense of togetherness which exists in our local communities and how people are always ready to try and help each other when needed.
"Launched and co-ordinated by Wolves Foundation and including a fantastic team effort from everyone involved, Feed Our Pack is providing people with real practical support and feelings of hope and optimism for a brighter future."
That support from Wolves fans has been inspiring for all connected with Feed Our Pack, showing their care for others in the community, with the new element of being able to donate food on a match day at the Feed Our Pack storage facility on the Fan Park proving very popular.
Adam, who brought a donation to the Southampton game, said: "With what has been happening in the last few years, you realise what’s important to you.
"A lot of people do go without, and especially with gas and electricity prices going up, people will have to choose between keeping warm or eating.
"Something like Feed Our Pack and being able to donate food will just mean they don’t have to make that choice.
"Even if it’s just a meal that can cheer someone up for a day, that’s why I do it."
Noah, aged 10, in his first year as a season ticket holder was also very keen to help.
He said: "I want to help everyone in Wolverhampton and the local areas because some people aren’t as fortunate as us so it’s just nice to bring those things to help them.
Over one ton of food has already been donated by fans on a match day and that is a part of Feed Our Pack which will continue over the next 12 months.
While the level of support provided by Feed Our Pack has been substantial in its first year, with many people still suffering from challenging times due to the effects of the pandemic, there remains much more work to be done.
Donations can be made by texting FOP, followed by donation amount, to 70085 or by visiting the Just Giving page.
