Champion Boxer Callum Simpson Launches 'Fight Against Hunger' to Support Barnsley Foodbank

British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion Callum Simpson has embarked on a mission to raise £15,000 in just three months to support the Barnsley Foodbank. The campaign, aptly named Fight Against Hunger, was launched during a visit to the foodbank, which is part of The Trussell Trust network. This initiative is close to Simpson's heart, as he aims to address the growing issue of food poverty in his hometown.

A Champion's Commitment

Simpson, who grew up in Barnsley, expressed his deep connection to the community. "Barnsley has backed me since day one," he said. "I am in the position I am because of my town, my community, so it's only right I give something back." His involvement goes beyond just fundraising. Simpson is actively engaging with the foodbank to understand the challenges faced by those in need.

The Reality of Food Poverty

The foodbank supplied food to approximately 6,800 people in the year leading up to August 2024, with more than a third being children. Simpson shared his evolving understanding of who relies on foodbanks. "If you were to ask me a few months ago who uses a food bank, I would've said people on the lowest income, maybe single parents with kids, but it's not just them," he revealed. **"It's families with two parents, working good jobs, some with kids, some without, because the cost of everything has gone up. People need a little help, people are going through a hard time."

Upcoming Fight Adds Momentum

Next month, Simpson will face Ivan Zucco for the European super-middleweight title at Barnsley FC's Oakwell Stadium. The high-profile nature of his upcoming fight is already boosting donations. Andy Gaskell, fundraising officer at the foodbank, noted, "We have had a real upswing in monetary donations because of his profile on this already." Simpson's interest in the nutritional value of the food parcels also provided affirmation for the foodbank. "Because he is a professional athlete, he was really interested in the nutritional value of the parcels, and he said he could see they were healthy," Gaskell added. **"That was affirming for us - to have an athlete say, 'I can see the thinking here.'"

Long-Term Vision

Simpson is not just focused on the immediate goal of raising £15,000. He is also exploring long-term ways to support the cause. "It would be great if I could finish my career and there be no one in Barnsley going hungry," he said. The foodbank currently spends about £5,000 on food per month, so if the campaign is successful, it would fund three months' worth of meals for service users.

Community Support

Simpson's initiative has already garnered significant support from the local community. His upcoming fight is expected to further raise awareness and donations for the foodbank. This campaign highlights the importance of community support in tackling food poverty, especially in challenging economic times.