TBBT delivers its 1 millionth meal in Darlington

Award-winning affordable food club, The Bread and Butter Thing has delivered over 1 million meals to families in Darlington since it opened its first hub at Corporation Road in March 2020.

With eight hubs now operating across the town, it is supporting more families than ever.

Mark Game, CEO, TBBT said: “The need for affordable food is more pressing than ever with hundreds of people signing up to the Bread and Butter Thing’s mobile food clubs. At the moment we have a record 1700 people joining every month across our 70 projects. With eight hubs now open across Darlington, TBBT is supporting almost 3000 families in the town.

“We have a wide ranging, nutritious food offer but that is just the start. Using TBBT helps our members stretch their budgets enabling them to make choices about their other household priorities – with most of our members currently worried about paying their energy bills. We also focus on bringing in external partners to offer support and guidance on a whole range of issues from housing to mental health support.”

Since the charity first launched its service in the town - supported by Darlington Borough Council, Cummins and Darlington Building Society - its distinctive vans, Stephen and Elaine have made 667 weekly deliveries to its hubs and 33,604 people have bought their weekly food bags, collectively saving 470 tonnes of surplus food from being wasted. That’s the equivalent of 1,120,000 meals.

Hub number 8 is situated at The Well on North Street, running every Wednesday.

Hub leader Emma Walden says: “We’re thrilled that we can host TBBT at The Well every week. Members signing up here have been delighted with the fresh fruit and veg offering as well as the opportunity to try a whole range of other foods they wouldn’t normally be able to purchase. For some of our members this has been a genuine lifeline.”

The Well joins existing hubs at Corporation Road Primary School, Eastbourne Park Community Centre, Elim Road Pentecostal Church, Firthmoor Community Centre, Skerne Park Community Centre, Red Hall Primary School and Windsor Court.

New members are welcome at The Well and all TBBT hubs.

Joining is simple. There are no joining criteria. People interested in using TBBT’s affordable food service need to register as members and should contact TBBT by email at hello@breadandbutterthing.org or text 07860 063304 with their name, address, postcode and the hub they wish to join. There is also a sign up form and more information on our Members page. Once registered, members receive a weekly text offering the food service. The first week is free.

New volunteers are always welcome too!

The service is reliant on the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers, with over 500 people giving their time each week to the charity which won the Queen's Award to Voluntary Service in 2020. Anyone interested in volunteering - at the new hubs, the Clifton warehouse or as a driver - can find out more and get in touch through TBBT's website www.breadandbutterthing.org.