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The Christmas food bank appeal you can donate to with a ‘reverse advent calendar’
Foodbanks are in desperate need of longlife supplies to keep families on the poverty line warm and well fed over Christmas: donate your supplies using their reverse advent calendar appeal.
Christmas is about far more than receiving, give to those in need this winter using the reverse advent calendar scheme.
The season of giving shouldn't apply to just close family and friends, especially when 1-in-5 of the UK population live below the poverty line.
If you have any spare change at all this Christmas, consider donating food, drink and warm clothes to those that will need it most over the colder months of the year.
To get all of the family involved in giving, the Leeds North and West Foodbank have put together the 'reverse advent calendar appeal'.
The idea is that every day, you pick up one item and put it into a donation box of your choice.
All donations are gratefully received by Leeds North and West Foodbank. / Image: Asda Corporate
Once you reach the 25th day, your box will be full and you can take it to either a distribution centre or the foodbank warehouse on Burley Road.
You can download your own reminder and calendar on the Leeds North and West Foodbank website or you can choose to donate whatever you deem necessary as you go along.
The charity advise that to make the activity fun for children and raise the spirits of those using the foodbank boxes, the inclusion of a homemade christmas card would be greatly appreciated.
The foodbank is in need of the following items, and may be included in your reverse calendar boxes:
Tinned fruit
Tinned vegetables
Pasta sauce
Long life milk
Long life fruit juice
Tinned or packet puddings
Tinned fish
Tinned meat
Packets of biscuits
Rice, pasta or noodles
Tea bags
Coffee
Jam
Soup
Cereal
Tinned Tomatoes
Rice pudding
Tinned custard
Chocolate donations are also appreciated during this time of year.
Unwrapped small gifts suitable as stocking fillers are also very welcome as are financial donations if you wish to support us in this way
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
The Leeds Supper Club bringing people together over incredible food
Clementine Hall
What started as a simple idea around food has grown into something much bigger for Leeds Supper Club.
The idea was born from a love of food and the idea that eating together can be about much more than what’s on your plate.
Rather than simply going out to a restaurant, Leeds Supper Club puts connection at the heart of its events, bringing people together to share incredible food and enjoy an evening in good company.
We had the pleasure of attending their most recent event where we had the most wonderful evening with founders Lizzie, Phillip and the rest of the club.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This instalment was a very special one, as it was in collaboration with Knotfield Vine over in Horsforth.
I mean, it really doesn't get more scenic than this - we really felt like we'd been whisked away to the South of France rather than a Leeds suburb. But we wouldn't want it either way.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
What makes it a cut above the rest is the details. Every little detail has been thought out, from the low-lit, sexy lighting, hand-made name plates, live music and four courses of wonderful seasonal goodness made fresh.
From enjoying a glass of wine within the vines alongside a couple of nibbles to tucking into a three course meal around a candle-lit table, there's really nowhere else like it.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The tagliatelle pasta with beef and whipped feta was a real highlight, and knowing Lizzie and Philip receive help on the menu and the cooking from all their friends made it taste that much sweeter.
By the end of it we'd had some delicious food, fabulous wine and shared even better conversation. And it's safe to say we left feeling a part of the club.
Keep an eye on their Instagram page here for all upcoming events.
Sophie Smith -
12th November 2021 
