The Bread and Butter Thing helps thousands as it marks five years in Hartlepool
An affordable grocery scheme celebrating five years in Hartlepool has provided enough food for more than two million meals.
The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) charity, which operates out of Hartlepool Community Hub Central in the town centre, has just marked five years in the town.
The initiative provides members from low-income communities with up to three bags of groceries each week, containing fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled items, and cupboard staples from as little as £8.50.
Since coming to Hartlepool in 2021 during Covid restrictions, the hub has supported 4,800 members who have purchased 67,844 sets of shopping.
That equates to around 2,100,000 meals.
Vic Harper, chief executive of The Bread and Butter Thing, said: “Marking five years in the Hartlepool community 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.”
The Bread and Butter Thing is the largest member-based food redistribution charity in the UK, working in 156 hubs across 33 local authorities from the East Midlands to North Tyneside.
The Hartlepool hub has provided local families and individuals with access to nutritious, affordable food every week while helping reduce food waste. One member of the hub said: “The food is absolutely amazing, there’s been food that if I was to shop in the supermarket I wouldn’t be able to afford it.
"The food varies every week, and I look forward when I get home to seeing what I have.”
Another said: “It has helped me budget and repay some of my debt and given me the opportunity to share my worries with people in a similar position.”
Members can save up to £25 a week, freeing up money for other household priorities.
NHS Healthy Start cards are accepted and personal hygiene and other non-food items are also available.
Charity chiefs paid tribute to the volunteers they say are at the heart of the hub.
Anyone interested in joining the Hartlepool hub can register by texting 07507 237311 with their name, postcode, and chosen hub.
Volunteers can also find out more at www.breadandbutterthing.org/volunteers