Leeds market's Neil's Greengrocers launches Christmas dinner drive during cost of living crisis

As traders of Leeds Kirkgate Market for nearly 40 years, Neil’s Greengrocers have always tried to offer help where they can. They started supplying their local community when the pandemic hit and people were isolated with no way of receiving deliveries.

It first ran its Donate a Dinner campaign in 2021, using donations received from the public to create 300 Christmas boxes that were shared with local charities and food banks for distribution to the most vulnerable.

Matt Brake, who works at the grocers, said: "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, Neil’s Greengrocers have teamed up with Malcom Michaels Butchers of Cross Gates to supply the meat for the meals at cost price, but the team still desperately needs donations towards the rest of the meals.

Donations received will be turned into Christmas boxes and delivered to local organisations to ensure as many families as possible will get “the gift of a Christmas dinner”, Matt said.

He added: "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.”

Until Friday December 18, Matt is inviting people to donate £1 or whatever they can give via the www.yourlocalgreengrocer.co.uk website.