MORTON players and management have given fans food for thought after donating items to a local foodbank ahead of a major appeal at this weekend’s match.

The entire first team squad and backroom staff kicked off the club’s campaign to help less fortunate people in Inverclyde by handing over food to Inverclyde Foodbank – and are now encouraging Ton supporters heading to Saturday’s fixture at Cappielow to do the same.

There will be a collection at the ground prior to the game against Stenhousemuir from 1.30 to 3.15pm.

The club is lending its support to the Greenock-based charity to try and break the stigma associated with foodbanks.

Ton boss Jim Duffy said: “Foodbanks are helping so many people when they need it most. No-one in Inverclyde should have to go hungry and everyone at the club is proud to support Inverclyde Foodbank and do what we can to assist.” The link-up with the charity comes after the club was approached by local MSP Stuart McMillan during his summer tour.

When he visited the Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) summer camps at Battery Park, he met with Karen Welsh, the club’s PR and fundraising manager, who was very keen to support and assist with a collection.

The campaign is also aimed at increasing awareness of foodbanks and promoting a positive message to make the services more accessible.

Karen said: “Primarily it’s a food donation drive this Saturday but if anyone has any questions about the foodbank or even if they’re thinking of volunteering, we’ll be on hand to help.

“We at Morton FC are aware of the stigma associated with foodbanks, but we encourage anyone who is in need of help to ask for it.” The gesture from the club and donations from the players and management has been praised by Morton fan Mr McMillan.

He said: “I am pleased the club are supporting the foodbank.

“Greenock Morton has a prominent role in the community and their assistance will be greatly appreciated in raising awareness that people shouldn’t be too proud to seek help.” Inverclyde Foodbank provides emergency food and support to local people in crisis and the organisation has helped over 6,500 people across the district since it started in September 2012.

It supports people on low incomes and those who have been hit with a sudden crisis — redundancy, benefit delay or even an unexpected bill — which can mean going hungry.

The charity also aims to help many parents who regularly have to skip meals to feed their children and those in the community who are forced to choose between paying rent and eating.

Morton’s first team squad and management did their bit for the charity by donating items after training on Tuesday.

Club captain Andrew Barrowman said: “We want to help people, especially near us in Inverclyde. All the players are appealing for supporters to come along to our home match this Saturday and donate what you can.” The club is also supporting a national collection at Tesco Port Glasgow next Thursday between 12.30-2pm, when players and GMCT staff will be volunteering in store and accepting donations from shoppers.

They will also continue to support the local foodbank in the run-up to Christmas by helping to pack festive hampers and volunteering on Monday 22 December at the charity’s West Blackhall Street headquarters.

Morton director Crawford Rae said: “We fully support the collection for Inverclyde Foodbank and want to help people in our community who find themselves under the incredible stress of being unable to feed themselves or their family.” Inverclyde Foodbank gratefully accepts all non-perishable food — UHT Milk, pasta sauce, suagr and tinned meat, fish, fruit, rice pudding and sugar.

Fraser Donaldson, who helps run the organisation, is overwhelmed with the support from the club and hopes people can dig deep on Saturday.

He said: “Inverclyde Foodbank are delighted to be partnering with Greenock Morton in facilitating this collection. This is a fantastic community initiative that brings people together to help their hungry neighbour.

“We are grateful to Greenock Morton and to Stuart McMillan MSP for organising this event.”