Four new Bread and Butter family food clubs funded by Comic Relief launched in July

This month, we’ve been busy organising the openings of not one, not two but FOUR brand new food clubs in the North West this July. We’re always thrilled to be bringing fresh, healthy affordable food to even more lower income communities, including making our Merseyside debut!

The brilliant volunteer team at the Hillside High hub in Bootle

All the new hubs will be serviced out of our Staffordshire operation which opened ten months ago. The Fenton-based warehouse supplies a total of 14 other hubs in the surrounding area including Crewe and Warrington.

New Stoke on Trent Hubs

With the support of the Stoke-on-Trent Council, the new additions to Chell Heath and Longton will operate alongside their sister hub in Bentilee.

·       Stoke North – Every Thursday at 13:30 at Stoke North Family Hub, Bishop Road, Chell Heath, ST6 6QW

·       Westfield – Every Friday at 12pm at Westfield Family Hub, Buccleuch Rd, ST3 4RF

Cllr Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services said: “It’s great to see The Bread and Butter Thing launch at another of our Family Hub sites. Anyone struggling with the cost of living doesn’t have to suffer in silence – help is at hand in Stoke-on-Trent.

“We’re committed to combatting the cost of living 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.

“I’d encourage anyone looking for fresh, healthy, affordable food to check out The Bread and Butter Thing at these two new sites or at our Family Hub in Bentilee. Schools holidays are always pressure points for families, if you need support, please visit www.stoke.gov.uk/helpisathand.”

New Merseyside Hub

We’re excited to be introducing our nutritious low-cost service to Merseyside.

·       Bootle – Every Wednesday at 13:30 at Hillside High School, Breeze Hill, Bootle L20 9NU

Assistant Vice Principal, Alanna Jones said: “Sadly, at the moment far too many people in our community are struggling to make ends meet. But The Bread and Butter Thing is an incredible initiative that will make life a little easier for some. As a school, we are proud to contribute to bringing their offering to Bootle and help provide some extra help for those who need it during these tough times.”

New Macclesfield hub

We’re also expanding our Cheshire hubs to a primary school in Macclesfield.

·       Broken Cross – Every Monday at 14:30 at Broken Cross Primary School, Parkett Heyes Road, Macclesfield SK11 8UD

Broken Cross Primary School Head Teacher, Donna Lewis said: “The Bread and Butter Thing is an incredible organisation. And although we wish such initiatives didn’t have to exist, we’re very glad that our school can help our community even a little by bringing it’s affordable food club here to Macclesfield during these tough times.”

TBBT’s Chief Executive, Mark Game said: “We’re delighted to have the opportunity to expand our offering in North West, following the launch of our operation here last September. We’re all about helping food budgets go further by providing our members with nutritious food that doesn’t break the bank. We’re on a mission to make sure everyone has access to great food, improve diets, strengthen struggling communities and help save money. Our members tell us they can save up to £30 a week by shopping with us, which frees up budget for other household priorities.

“We often get asked where our food comes from” continues Mark, “We work closely with all the big supermarkets like Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and the rest, all kinds of manufacturers and even farmers who provide us with their surplus stock. So our members get to do their bit for the environment too by stopping excess food going to waste.”