New Hartlepool Home for TBBT

National manufacture and distribution of food generates edible surpluses that are often wasted. TBBT are expert in working with food businesses in providing them a reliable service to redistribute these surpluses - helping reduce their environmental effects whilst increasing their positive impact in communities by creating a quality, affordable food service for people on low incomes.

The Hartlepool scheme will grow to take place every week at five community spaces across the area including schools, community centres and churches centred in areas of greatest need. For just £7.50, TBBT members’ shopping bags are filled with a minimum of £35 worth of items made up of quality fresh food - including fruit and veg - as well as store cupboard staples from supermarkets. Vegetarian options are also available. As the service is created from surplus food, the contents vary from day to day and week to week offering plenty of variety and the chance to try new foods.

Within the last year, TBBT has doubled its reach from its Greater Manchester origins. A second TBBT warehouse opened in County Durham in November 2020, new vans will take the fleet to 10, and over 50 hubs are expected to be operational across the North of England by mid 2021, including five in Hartlepool, five in County Durham and 10 in Darlington.

The charity has received a warm welcome across the North East, supporting other vital community work and working to provide other wrap-around support with experts in debt counselling, housing advice, mental health support and grant applications.

Councillor Sue Little, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community-Based Services Committee, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome The Bread and Butter Thing to Hartlepool.

“Not only will it offer people on low incomes access to quality food at an affordable price – which is especially welcome during the current COVID crisis - it also means that surplus food is being used and not wasted, so it’s a great result all round.”

Mark Game, TBBT Chief Executive added: "TBBT has come to feel very much at home in the North East and I'm delighted that we can expand our services in Hartlepool to support more low income families who face the daily challenges of making ends meet. As the effects of COVID continue to bite, we know that more people than ever need access to affordable, quality food and we're proud to be working with Hartlepool Borough Council to support communities that need it most.  

"Our members tell us that over 80% of them have previously had to skip meals to feed their families. By using TBBT, most save £25 a week on their food budgets with the added benefits of better quality and a bigger variety of food, and we save tonnes of surplus edible food from going to waste. It's a win/win solution for everyone . We're looking forward to working alongside our partners in Hartlepool to serve its communities from our new regional base."

In addition, TBBT is creating new jobs in the area and is currently recruiting two new team members. The service is also reliant on the dedication and enthusiasm of  its volunteers with over 200 people giving their time to the charity each week which won the Queen's Award to Voluntary Service last year. Anyone interested in volunteering - at the new hubs, the warehouse or as a driver - can find out more and get in touch through TBBT's website www.breadandbutterthing.org.

People interested in using TBBT affordable food service need to register as members and should contact TBBT at hello@breadandbutterthing.org or text 07537 416040. There is also a sign up form and more information at www.breadandbutterthing.org

The address for Community Hub Central is: Central Library, 124 York Rd, Hartlepool, TS26 9DE.