A charity providing hubs with low-cost food has expanded to support thousands more County Durham residents. 

The Bread and Butter Thing opened three new food clubs this month, as part of a joint programme with Durham County Council. 

The new additions will operate alongside the 15 hubs already in operation, supporting more than 10,800 residents with fresh, healthy affordable food.

People living in Newton Aycliffe, Durham City, and Burnopfield have been invited to sign up. 

All new members who register in the first three months of the hub opening will receive their first Bread and Butter shop at no cost.

  • Junction 7 - Every Monday 1pm-1.30pm - The Church of Latter Day Saints, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 5QL;
  • Pelaw View - Every Friday 2pm-2.30pm - Pelaw View Community Centre, Durham, DH1 2EH;
  • Burnopfield – Every Wednesday 2pm-2.30pm - Burnopfield Community Centre, NE16 6JF

The latest hubs are funded by Durham County Council, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Alan Shield, cabinet member for equality and inclusion, said: “We are pleased to be supporting The Bread and Butter Thing in its launch of new hubs in Durham. In a time where the cost of living is high, schemes like this help struggling families to access fresh, healthy food at a lower cost, allowing them to use the money saved towards other essentials.”

Bread and Butter’s Chief Executive, Mark Game said: “We’re all about helping food budgets go further so we’re chuffed to have the opportunity to expand our offering in Durham. 

“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 £25 a week shopping with us, which frees up budget for other household priorities.

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

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How can I join?

There are no joining criteria. Anyone interested in using Bread and Butter’s affordable food club just needs to register as a member. To do this, text 07860 063304 with their name, postcode and hub they would like to join e.g. Pelaw View. Once registered, members receive a weekly text offering the food service which they can then collect from their hub every week.

Want to help?

The service is reliant on the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers, with more than 1,000 people giving their time each week.

Whether it’s at one of the hubs or getting involved at the warehouse, anyone interested in volunteering can find out more and get in touch through Bread and Butter’s website at Contact Us – The Bread and Butter Thing