New affordable food charity opens in Stoke-on-Trent

The charity has chosen the city as its first West Midlands location

Distribution warehouse of the charity The Bread and Butter Thing
Author: Adam SmithPublished 29th Sep 2023
Last updated 29th Sep 2023

An affordable food charity has chosen Stoke-on-Trent for its first base in the West Midlands.

The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), is opening a hub at the Bentilee Family Hub, providing support to low income families across the community.

Founded in Manchester in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing takes quality, nutritious food to more than 100 communities across the north of England from Cheshire to Northumberland and as far afield as Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The Bentilee hub is the first of its kind in the West Midlands.

At its weekly hubs, TBBT’s members access three bags of food comprising fruit and veg, chilled food and cupboard staples for £8.50, enabling them to feed their families, improving diets and saving them money for other household priorities. Heathy Start cards are accepted and low cost period products are also available.

Mark Game, CEO The Bread and Butter Thing said: “I’m pleased to be bringing our affordable food clubs to Stoke-on-Trent to provide support to the local community as part of the new Bentilee Family Hub.

“TBBT is about creating long-term, sustainable routes out of poverty and building strong communities. Our members tell us that over 80% of them have previously had to skip meals to feed their families. By using TBBT, most save at least £25 a week on their food budgets with the added benefits of better quality and a bigger variety of food. This leads to healthier lifestyles and puts money back in people’s pockets.”

Councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “I’m thrilled to see events like this taking place in local communities, supporting our children and families. Everyone is welcome to attend, and our Family Hubs team are looking forward to welcoming people to our latest Family Hub site.

“We know that the cost-of-living crisis is one of the main concerns of local people and we’re committed to combatting it in a joined-up way to support people across the city. Family Hubs are a really good example of this as we work not just with The Bread and Butter Thing, but all our partners in the education, NHS, voluntary sector and beyond to support families, children and young people who may be struggling.”

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