Leeds food bank and Slap & Pickle join together to gift every child in Hawksworth an Easter egg

The Hawksworth Food Project and smash burger company Slap & Pickle have been working together throughout the Covid pandemic to support families in the Hawksworth estate.

The food bank, run by three churches in the area, has donated up to 500 meals and food parcels every week to families in need.

Slap & Pickle owners James Tabor and Zoe Perrett have been a lifeline for the food bank, donating cash and providing equipment needed for deliveries.

And now every child across Hawksworth will be gifted an Easter egg on Sunday thanks to the efforts of the pair and volunteers at the Hawksworth Food Project.

"If they can’t afford food, they can’t afford chocolate," Cherie Cartwright, who runs the food bank, said.

"We live on an estate with a lot of deprivation and self-esteem is low.

"We counted up how many children live on the estate, around 950, and a load of our volunteers will drive around on Sunday dropping off the Easter eggs.

"We’re just trying to brighten up their day."

James and Zoe gathered donations of around 100 Easter eggs from suppliers, but bought the remaining 850 themselves.

Cherie added: "They have an amazing community spirit, nothing is too much trouble for them."

Slap & Pickle runs delivery kitchens from Assembly Underground, Beer Hawk and The Fleece in Horsforth.

James and Zoe quickly capitalised on the demand for takeaways during the pandemic and businesses is booming.

Determined to use their success to help others, the pair have worked closely with Cherie to give back to their local community.

"It's amazing to see how grateful people are", James said.

"I'm a very lucky guy and I've been in a situation in my life when things were very tough for me and I needed help from others.

"When you live a fairly comfortable life, it's hard to believe there are people who can't feed their families on your doorstep. It's mind-blowing how much suffering and hardship there is.

"It's the most natural thing in the world for us to do something to help.

"If you're not feeling happy about yourself, doing something for others makes you feel a lot better. Everyone who gives really gets something back from it."

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