Beyond the shop fronts and coffee stops, St Johns is committed to making a real difference in Leeds. Our ongoing collaboration with FoodSavers was born from a simple mission: to ensure no one in our local community goes hungry. By supporting the Food Savers pantry in Little London, we are turning our centre into a vital resource for those who need it most.
The Why: Addressing Local Need
When a local needs analysis highlighted the hardships faced by our neighbours in Little London, we couldn’t just sit on that information. We knew we had to act. We believe everyone deserves access to quality, nutritious food, and we’ve dedicated our partnership with FoodSavers to ensuring that help reaches the heart of our community.
The Journey So Far
We became an official donation point for Food Savers in April 2024. In 2025 we moved beyond just a collection point and started hosting quarterly “takeover” events within the centre.
Over the past year, we’ve transformed our mall space into a hub of support, including:
- Pop-Up Pantries: Allowing residents to access much-needed grocery items directly within the centre.
- Fundraising Christmas Markets: We hosted two mini-festive markets featuring local stalls, with all proceeds going directly to the charity.
- Awareness & Empowerment Days: Volunteers have joined us to speak with the public not just about accessing food, but providing vital advice on managing finances and budgeting.
Making a Splash: The Dragon Boat Race
Our partnership isn’t just about what happens inside our walls. Last year we sponsored the FoodSavers team for the annual Dragon Boat race. Not only did we provide financial support, but members of the St Johns team actually hopped in the boat to row alongside the volunteers on the day. It was a wet, wild, and wonderful way to show our commitment to the cause.
How You Can Help
The most important part of this partnership is YOU. St Johns acts as a permanent food donation point. Every time you pop in for your shopping, you can drop off non-perishable items at our designated station. These donations go directly to the pantry in Little London, ensuring that families in our community have access to nutritious meals.