An annual charity drive ‘Trick or Eat’ trail returns to Hackney for its sixth year this Halloween. More than 30 local businesses have signed up to the scheme in a bid to increase donations to Hackney Foodbank.
Some businesses and residents in Stoke Newington will put collection boxes outside their homes on Halloween for trick-or-treaters to donate food as well as take treats. Most needed items include long-life milk, pasta sauce, porridge and cereal.
The initiative was set up by Local Buyer’s Club, a support scheme for independent businesses, and supported by the estate agent, Location Location.
Adam Wawrety, operations manager of Location Location, said: “It’s one of our core values to try to support the community and get involved as anything as possible.
“It’s not only about doing good business, but also helping the people in our community.”
Julian Korosec, owner of GK Locksmiths on Church Street, said “The neighbourhood has given us 40 years, and we’d like to give something back.”
“This is the best way of giving back to the children,” he added.
2024 marks the initiative’s sixth year. According to the website, “since it started, the initiative has collected more than thirteen tons of food for local food banks.”
Other businesses emphasised the fun and family aspect of the scheme. “We have a strong sense of togetherness,” said Alina Moat, founder of Dogsnug. “It’s always fun and good to participate. It’s like a family kind of thing.”
A similar scheme will run for Christmas, with a collection of toy donations.
Kieran Molloy is a MA Newpaper Journalism Student at City, University of London. He is actively interested in all stories surrounding Stoke Newington ward, particulary those involving politics, gentrification and subcultures. He formerly served as Investigations Editor for Palatinate, Durham University's award-winning student newspaper. Better than AI slop.