Leeds market trader launches Christmas dinner drive during cost of living crisis

Leeds Kirkgate Market’s Neil’s Greengrocers are asking for donations of just £1 to help the vulnerable during the Christmas period.

Neil’s Greengrocers have been trading at Leeds Kirkgate Market for nearly forty years.

Over the years they have always made an effort to help others where they can, including providing food for those isolating during the pandemic and their incredible ‘Donate a Dinner’ campaign which they launched in 2021.

The campaign, with the help of donations from the Maureen Lillywhite of Meanwood church, saw 300 Christmas food boxes shared with local charities and food banks for distribution to the most vulnerable.

Due to it’s roaring success, the campaign will be taking place again this year. For 2022, Neil’s Greengrocers have teamed up with Malcom Michaels Butchers of Cross Gates to supply the meat for the meals at cost price.

However, the team still desperately needs donations this Christmas to be able to provide the rest of the meals.

Matt Brake, who works at the grocers, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We know we can’t help everyone but we believe as a family business we should try and help the community that has served us well over the last 40 years and give a little bit back.

“This year is going to be exceptionally difficult for families due to the cost of living crisis so we are ramping up the efforts to help as many families as possible”.

All donations received will be turned into Christmas boxes and delivered to Give a Gift charity in LS8 and Meanwood Church in LS6, to ensure as many families as possible will be able to enjoy a Christmas dinner.

From Monday November 7 to Friday December 18 2022, the lovely people at Neil’s Greengrocers invite others to donate just £1 on their website.

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Feature image – Neil’s Greengrocers