Sunderland, 06/02/2026: The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT)’s Chance is celebrating its 3rd anniversary. Since opening, the hub has provided local families and individuals with access to nutritious, affordable food while helping reduce food waste.
Members can access 3 bags of food each week, including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled items, and cupboard staples from just £8.50. Healthy Start cards are accepted, and personal hygiene and other non-food items, are also available.
Members of the hub have said they “feel part of a community” and that it has “helped ensure my family is fed and eased the pressure on my finances.”
Volunteers are at the heart of the hub. Their dedication ensures the hub runs smoothly each week and makes a real difference to local families.
NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 2024: Anonymous imagery captured whilst on a project visit with Family Gateway. Sainsbury’s are launching a month-long fundraising campaign to raise up to £3million to help reach the 900,000 children who are living in food poverty but don’t currently qualify for free school meals. The Bread and Butter Thing is a mobile volunteer run food club, delivered in partnership with local community hubs, which provides people who are struggling financially with easy access to nutritious, quality and diverse food at an affordable price. The Bread and Butter Thing makes life more affordable for people on a low income, builds stronger communities and reduces food waste using an innovative and self-sustaining approach to the redistribution of surplus food and non-food essentials. Its long-term aim is to address the premiums that people in poverty pay for everyday essentials simply because of their personal circumstances. Taken in Newcastle 31st May 2024. (Photo by Fiona Saxon/Comic Relief)
Vic Harper, Chief Executive of The Bread and Butter Thing, said:
“Marking 3 years in theSunderlandcommunity is something we’re incredibly proud of. Over that time, we’ve seen how access to affordable, healthy food can bring people together, reduce waste and strengthen neighbourhoods. None of this would be possible without our brilliant volunteers, whose commitment and care sit at the heart of everything we do.”
Across TBBT’s network, 79% of members report eating more fruit and vegetables, 71% are cooking more meals at home, and 72% feel more connected to their community. Many save up to £25 a week, freeing up money for other household priorities.
NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 2024: Anonymous imagery captured whilst on a project visit with Family Gateway. Sainsbury’s are launching a month-long fundraising campaign to raise up to £3million to help reach the 900,000 children who are living in food poverty but don’t currently qualify for free school meals. The Bread and Butter Thing is a mobile volunteer run food club, delivered in partnership with local community hubs, which provides people who are struggling financially with easy access to nutritious, quality and diverse food at an affordable price. The Bread and Butter Thing makes life more affordable for people on a low income, builds stronger communities and reduces food waste using an innovative and self-sustaining approach to the redistribution of surplus food and non-food essentials. Its long-term aim is to address the premiums that people in poverty pay for everyday essentials simply because of their personal circumstances. Taken in Newcastle 31st May 2024. (Photo by Fiona Saxon/Comic Relief)
Anyone interested in joining Chance can register by texting 07507 237311 with their name, postcode, and chosen hub. Volunteers are also welcome — find out more at https://www.breadandbutterthing.org/volunteers
