Getting toasty!
The Bread and Butter Thing launches new ‘Warm Hub’ project this winter in association with Sainsbury’s and support from Premier Foods
Warm Hubs open for two hours prior to TBBT’s weekly shopping service
Hot drinks and a warm welcome available thanks to generous support from Sainsbury’s and Premier Foods
Launches 20th September until the end of March 2023
One of the UK’s leading food charities, The Bread and Butter Thing is launching a new ‘Warm Hub’ scheme this month in an effort to support its members and communities struggling with rising fuel costs during the cost of living crisis.
Key sponsor Sainsbury’s is headlining support for the project with donations of teas, coffees and accompanying brewing kit with Premier Foods also supplying 50,000 Cup a Soups to serve at TBBT locations across the north of England.
Each week TBBT brings its mobile affordable food service to the heart of low income communities across the north of England. For the two hours prior to members collecting their weekly shopping, teams of volunteers help pack bags of fruit and veg, chilled goods and cupboard staples. Now they’ll also open the doors, put the kettle on and offer a warm welcome to people struggling to fire up the heating at home this winter.
Mark Game, The Bread and Butter Thing CEO explains: “The cost of living crisis is causing a lot of stress and anxiety for our members. People are already telling us that their heating will be off and appliances unplugged. So we’re working with our partners to maximise the impact that we have for our communities and extend our offer beyond affordable food wherever possible. Providing a warm, safe, friendly place to be each week will be a vital part of that.
“Each week, we will open the doors for two hours prior to our shopping service and welcome people in from the cold and the rain. These spaces will offer people the chance to meet friends and fellow members for a hot drink and maybe even a biscuit. Bring your crossword, your knitting, a good book or just come for a chat and to collect your shopping.
“We hope that as fuel bills rise and keeping warm at home becomes more challenging, TBBT can offer a friendly place to get toasty.”
Ruth Cranston, Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Sainsbury’s commented: “The rising cost of living is affecting people all over the country, so it is crucial that we continue to help communities during this difficult time. We are proud to support The Bread and Butter Thing with the launch of their Warm Hubs initiative which we hope will give people a warm and safe space to come to in what may be challenging months ahead. We share a belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, nutritious food and we look forward to continuing our partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing as we work together to tackle food insecurity, helping make a difference, one plate at a time.”
Naomi Shooman, Brand Director Quick Meals & Soup, Premier Foods adds: "We're delighted to be supporting The Bread and Butter Thing's Warm Hubs winter campaign. Batchelor's Cup a Soup is, after all, a warm hug in a mug, and if we are able to bring a smile to the faces of those in local communities in these difficult times, we’re glad to help! Donating meals to local communities to help tackle the increasing issue of food insecurity is also a key element of our ESG strategy, the Enriching Life Plan.”
So far almost 40 hubs have signed up to the scheme. They are:
County Durham: Annfield Plain, Bowburn, Haswell, Eden Hill, Eden Miner’s, Spennymoor, St Catherine’s
Darlington: Cockerton, Corporation Road, Elim Church, Firthmoor, Skerne Park, The Well
Hartlepool: Burbank, Community Hub Central, Community Hub South, Headlands, West View
Kirklees: Chickenley, The Chestnut Centre
Manchester: St Luke’s
North Tyneside: Family Gateway
Oldham: Bethesda, Neon, Sholver
Salford: St Peter’s
Tameside: Hyde, St Martin’s, Zest
Trafford: Broomwood, Gorse Hill, People’s Church, Sale West, St John’s, The Hub Altrincham
Warrington: Birchwood, The Old School, Westy
NB: Not every TBBT hub is able to take part for logistical reasons. For example, some are too small and some are in venues that can’t facilitate public access, such as schools.
The Warm Hubs scheme is part of a suite of initiatives that TBBT is developing to further support its members during the cost of living crisis. This includes maintaining current prices for its shopping bags with a guarantee of at least £35 worth of food (£7.50 for a family set; £4 for an individual) and working with local partners and national agencies to provide additional services at the Warm Hubs themselves. These will be announced for each project locally but could range from welfare support advice, employment guidance or housing support specialists.
