The Bread and Butter Thing opens new food hub in Whitby

Food redistribution charity The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) is opening a new food hub at Airy Hill School, on Waterstead Lane, on January 27.

The Airy Hill School hub will provide members in Whitby with access to fresh, nutritious food at low cost, while helping reduce food waste.

The new hub will operate alongside the three hubs already serving the community, supporting more than 500 members with affordable food.

At the weekly food clubs, members can access three bags of food, consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled items, and cupboard staples from just £8.50.

Healthy Start cards are accepted, and any non-food products also available at a reduced price too.

The opening of this hub was made possible through Comic Relief’s continued commitment to working with The Bread and Butter Thing

There is no joining criteria, anyone interested in using TBBT’s food clubs can register as a member by texting 07507 237311with their name, postcode, and chosen hub, eg Airy Hill School.

Once registered, members receive a weekly text offering the food service, which they can then collect from their hub.

Across The Bread and Butter Thing’s network, 79% of members say they’re eating more fruit and vegetables, 71% are cooking more meals at home, and 72% feel more connected to their community.

Many also save up to £25 a week, freeing up money for other household priorities.

TBBT already runs food clubs in Hawsker, Hinderwell and Seton, where the hub is held at the primary school.

Headteacher Helen Isaac and school Governor, Graeme Bagshaw, recently spoke on The Bread & Putter Thing podcast, talking about the Seton food hub and what it brought to the area.

Graeme saw more value than just low cost food: “The community thing for me was what is really important for the school and for the village”.

Helen added: “More than anything, to my mind, it’s been a real feel-good resource for our community”.

Vic Harper, Chief Executive of The Bread and Butter Thing, added: “Opening another hub in Whitby gives more people the chance to access quality, affordable food and meet new people, and we’re pleased to be able to expand our work in the community.

"We couldn’t do any of this without our brilliant volunteers, their dedication brings the hubs to life and makes a real difference.

"That’s what drives our work: people, access to healthy food, less waste, and stronger, more connected communities.”

TBBT works closely with supermarkets such as Morrisons, Co-op, and Sainsbury’s, as well as manufacturers and farmers, who supply quality surplus produce to the hubs.

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

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more and get in touch through TBBT’s website at Contact Us – The Bread and Butter Thing.

Other hub details are as follows

Hawsker, Monday 2pm

Oakridge, Friday 2.30pm

Seton, Thursday 2.30pm