Surviving on 70 Pence a Day: Deano's Story
“I'm not exaggerating when I say there was no food in the cupboard or fridge. Sometimes even no milk. So I've switched to something that I haven't drank for years - sterilised milk.”
Ex pub landlord, Deano spent his life in the hospitality world, serving up good food and a friendly face to those around him. But when the pandemic hit, Deano, like so many others, found himself in a tough spot. At 66, after years of working hard and being part of his local community, his pub shut down in October 2020. And just like that, everything changed.
For Deano, the pub wasn’t just a place of work—it was home. It was where he found joy in connecting with others, where he built friendships and shared laughs over a pint. So, when it closed, it wasn’t just his job that went away. His sense of identity, his social circle, his routine—all of it disappeared. He went from being a familiar face behind the bar to feeling lonely and lost, facing a future that felt uncertain at best.
Unexpected kindness
Christmas that year wasn’t easy. Financially, Deano was stretched thin, and his pride made it hard to accept help. But when a good friend stepped in and gave him a bit of a lifeline, it was just the kind of gesture that gave Deano the hope he needed to keep going.
“I was in a bad way around Christmas, and I got a text from a friend, “How are you? Not seen you?” I said, “I'm on my arse, not doing well, but I'm still breathing, not so bad, but I won't be out because I can't afford it.” And he just said “No problem, watch your bank”. And he put £100 in. I was gob-smacked. I was in tears actually because I've never had anyone give me anything like that.”
A stark reminder
Deano’s experience is something that many don’t realize: food insecurity doesn’t just mean not having enough to eat. It means losing the comfort of knowing where your next meal is coming from, and it means feeling like you’ve lost your sense of self-worth. It’s a stark reminder that life can change in the blink of an eye.
But then, Deano found Bread and Butter. With every bag of food he picked up, Deano was reminded that he wasn’t alone. It was more than just meals—it gave him the chance to rediscover his love of cooking. Suddenly, he was back in the kitchen, experimenting with mincemeat and chicken fillets, recreating the meals he had always enjoyed. And getting a little bit of himself back.
Mix and match
Deano’s ability to adapt is really quite impressive. He became a master at making the most of what he had—curry and mash, fish and gravy and whatever he could make with the ingredients he was given. His simple, no-nonsense approach to cooking—he’s not a fan of avocados—showed how resourceful he could be, even when times were tough.
At Bread and Butter, Deano quickly realized that the bonds formed around food were as important as the food itself. The volunteers and staff didn’t just offer practical help—they offered kindness and support. Especially CDDO Sue. “I always look for Sue, I wouldn't be here now if its wasn’t for her. She always looks after me and makes me feel right at home.“
Listen to Deano’s podcast right here
