Stevenage FC and their long-term partner Great Northern have launched a week-long initiative to support the town's homeless community. The railway company's station staff are collecting vital food donations at Stevenage railway station to aid the Feed Up, Warm Up charity, which operates from the club's Sporta Stadium. This community effort comes as the League One side, currently 19th with one point from two games, prepares for its next home fixture.
The collection runs from 8am to 11am each day up to and including Thursday, 27 August. Great Northern, which has supported the Stevenage FC Academy for 13 years by providing free train travel for players aged 16-18, is now turning its attention to a pressing local need. Donations have dried up for the charity, forcing it to spend its own funds on food.
The railway staff are asking for items with a decent shelf life to support the charity's work. Specific requests include porridge, cup-a-soup, tinned food ideally with ring pulls, coffee, tea, toiletries, and baby wipes. These supplies will help Feed Up, Warm Up continue its essential services, which extend far beyond just providing meals. The charity also runs a foodbank and offers emergency supplies like sleeping bags, along with practical support such as a barbering service and counselling.
Barbara McDonagh, Head of Operations and Strategy for Feed Up, Warm Up, explained the growing need. "With the cost of living crisis, it's not only homeless people coming in anymore," she said. "Many of us are two pay checks away from stepping into the queue ourselves." The charity's drop-in centre operates every Monday from 5pm to 7pm at the Sporta Stadium, serving a hot meal and drink to up to 120 people per session.
The football club's involvement is central to the charity's operations. Feed Up, Warm Up runs its weekly drop-in centre directly from the Sporta Stadium, with Stevenage FC Academy players regularly volunteering their time to help. This partnership provides a stable base for the charity's mission to end homelessness. The organisation doesn't just offer emergency care during its two-hour sessions; it also helps people deal with agencies the following day and works to get individuals back into accommodation.
Support includes help with finding volunteering or work opportunities, including assistance with CVs and interviews. David Hoskins, Head of Commercial at Stevenage FC, oversees the club's community engagements. The initiative shows the club's role extends beyond the pitch, especially during a challenging start to the season where they have scored two goals and conceded three.
The charity serves a broad cross-section of people affected by hardship, including those struggling with the cost of living crisis and individuals who are homeless. One beneficiary, Daniel, shared his experience. "I was literally dragged by one of my other homeless friends to Feed Up, Warm Up one evening," he said. "The level of compassion, empathy, and food." Daniel, in his late 50s, had previously held a high-salary job but lost his home to repossession after suffering with mental health issues.
His story highlights the charity's critical safety-net function. Tracy Jarvis, CSR Manager for Great Northern, is coordinating the railway's part in the collection. The drive aims to replenish stocks for a charity that has become increasingly important as economic pressures mount locally.
The club now looks ahead to its next League One match at home against Doncaster Rovers on 29 August. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. Currently five points behind leaders Bradford City, Stevenage will be hoping for a positive result, with top scorer O. Sanderson looking to add to his one goal this season. The community work continues alongside the sporting challenge, embodying the club's embedded role in Stevenage. Supporters can follow the team's progress and league position via our standings page.
