LUFC Trust hit £10k for food banks with help of Leeds United fans amid coronavirus match cancellations

The Leeds United Supporters' Trust has worked with two local food banks to set up Leeds Fans Foodbanks, which aims to collect food items at every home game.

But match cancellations brought on by the coronavirus outbreak mean the food banks now need extra support to ensure Leeds' most vulnerable are not forgotten.

An online fundraising page has been set up, which has raised more than £2,000 in the past 48 hours, smashing the £10,000 target.

LUFC Trust vice-chairman Graham Hyde said: "That little push from people in these uncertain and frightening times means the food banks can continue their great work, which is brilliant."

The Trust's charity for the year is in fact Andy's Man Club, but they have decided to throw their weight behind the food banks in their time of need.

Mr Hyde said cash donations would allow the food banks - which cover Leeds north and west, and Leeds south and east, to buy stock if their reserves are depleted.

"The next two to three months are going to be a very uncertain period," he added. "The food banks are run by volunteers and they will need to look after their own wellbeing.

"The challenge will be to keep things fully functioning."

Mr Hyde, a former financial adviser, added: "We used to talk about how we will cope without any money coming in for three months.

"There are real challenges facing a lot of people. Even if it's not immediately, in the next two or three months, demand on resources is going to spike.

"We want to ensure the food banks are as ready as possible to help.

"The next stage is looking at ways we can organise collections across the city."

With all Championship games off until at least April 3, Mr Hyde called on people to carry on kindly donating if they were able.

DONATE HERE.