‘Without food charity, we might not eat,’ says Skegness mum.

In a stark reflection of the escalating cost-of-living crisis impacting families across the UK, a young mother from Skegness has revealed her family’s profound reliance on a local cut-price food service, stating they would "probably wouldn’t be able to eat" without it. Tiegan Parry, 19, is one of many individuals whose household budget is stretched to its absolute limit, finding a vital lifeline in The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), a charity dedicated to making everyday essentials affordable and combating food waste. Her candid admission underscores the critical role that community-led initiatives play in alleviating food insecurity in an increasingly challenging economic landscape.

The Bread and Butter Thing operates an extensive network of 111 hubs nationwide, each acting as a beacon of support for families struggling to put food on the table. Its innovative model allows members to pay a small fee for a substantial amount of groceries, significantly less than the retail value. The Old Leake Community Centre branch, nestled near Boston in Lincolnshire, has rapidly become a cornerstone for its local community since opening its doors in February 2023. This single hub alone currently extends its support to approximately 70 households every week, demonstrating the sheer scale of need within the area. Members at the Old Leake hub pay a modest £8.50, receiving in return roughly £35-worth of diverse and nutritious food items – a saving that can be life-changing for those on tight budgets.

Tiegan Parry, whose journey with The Bread and Butter Thing began over three and a half years ago, even before the Old Leake hub was established, articulated the critical timing of their discovery. "We found it when we really needed it the most," she explained, highlighting a period of acute financial vulnerability for her family. Her ongoing reliance on the service is a testament to its sustained importance in their lives. "If we didn’t have it, we probably wouldn’t be able to eat," she reiterated, painting a grim picture of potential hardship without the charity’s intervention. This sentiment is echoed by countless families nationwide who find themselves navigating similar economic pressures.

Since its inception, the Old Leake hub has made an extraordinary impact, supporting almost 850 distinct members and their families. The volunteers and organisers at the centre have diligently distributed an impressive 9,400 sets of shopping bags, collectively providing more than 291,000 meals to those in need. Each carefully curated bag of food, as detailed by the charity, is designed to offer a balanced assortment of provisions. Members can expect to receive a generous selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, essential chilled items for their fridges, and staple cupboard supplies such as pasta and cereal. This variety not only ensures nutritional adequacy but also introduces families to foods they might otherwise deem too expensive to purchase, fostering healthier and more varied diets.

The Bread and Butter Thing’s vital work is sustained through a combination of charitable funding and partnerships. Notably, the organisation receives partial funding from Comic Relief, a well-known charity dedicated to tackling poverty and social injustice. Beyond this, TBBT actively collaborates with food production factories and major supermarkets, intercepting surplus food that would otherwise be destined for landfill. This strategic approach not only addresses food poverty but also plays a significant role in mitigating food waste, an environmental concern of growing global importance.

For Tiegan, a resident of Skegness and a mother to a three-year-old daughter, the service has brought immense relief. The financial pressure of feeding a young child is a burden many parents face, and TBBT significantly eases this strain. "We would really struggle without it," she admitted, reflecting on the constant juggle of household expenses. She particularly appreciates the diverse contents of the food bags, which often include items she would typically avoid buying due to their high price. This unexpected variety means her family gets to "try things we would never ever try before," expanding their culinary horizons and adding a small joy to their weekly routine. The most profound impact, however, is the reduction in anxiety. "We worry a lot less because it means that I can feed the little one and not have to worry about it," Tiegan shared, underscoring the peace of mind that comes with food security.

Tiegan’s father, Craig Parry, 50, also benefits from the Old Leake hub and highlighted the multifaceted value of the service. Beyond the tangible food savings, Craig cherishes the social dimension of his weekly visit. He lauded the volunteers as "brilliant" and "very helpful," noting the warm and welcoming atmosphere they create. For many, including Craig, the hub is more than just a place to collect food; it’s a community touchpoint, a place for connection and friendly interaction. Crucially, the financial relief provided by TBBT empowers him to enrich his family life in other ways. "It certainly helps financially to be able to do things with my children and grandchildren that I wouldn’t be able to without having the bags," he explained, revealing how the savings free up resources for cherished family experiences, from outings to small treats, which would otherwise be unaffordable.

Gail Seamark, 60, who serves as the Community Development Delivery Officer for The Bread and Butter Thing, offered further insight into the charity’s mission and impact. She clarified that TBBT aims to help families "top up" their shopping, acting as a crucial supplement rather than the sole source of groceries. This distinction is important, as it frames the service as a supportive tool for managing household budgets rather than solely an emergency food bank. Gail also reiterated the significant social function of the hubs. "I think sometimes people come down even when they may not need to financially and it is a social thing," she observed. The simple act of waiting in line, chatting with fellow members and volunteers, fosters a sense of community and combats isolation, which can be particularly prevalent in rural areas or for individuals facing hardship. "They get to chat to people in the queue and we do as well," she added, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of these interactions.

Gail further elaborated on the charity’s operational model, explaining that the food is primarily sourced from food production factories and supermarkets that have surplus stock. This could be due to overproduction, minor cosmetic imperfections, or approaching best-before dates, none of which compromise the food’s quality or safety. By diverting these items, The Bread and Butter Thing is actively "making a dent" in the substantial amount of food that would otherwise end up in landfill. This dual benefit – feeding people and protecting the planet – is a core tenet of the charity’s philosophy, offering a sustainable solution to complex societal challenges. The environmental consciousness embedded in TBBT’s operations resonates with both volunteers and beneficiaries, adding another layer of purpose to the initiative.

The success and warm atmosphere of the Old Leake hub owe much to its dedicated team of volunteers. Cheryl Wray, 77, has been a steadfast volunteer at the centre for approximately three years, contributing her time and energy to the cause. Her motivation stems from a deep-seated belief in preventing waste and fostering community spirit. "It was good to know food was not going to waste," Cheryl stated, highlighting the satisfaction derived from contributing to a solution that benefits both people and the environment. Beyond the practicalities of food distribution, it is the palpable sense of camaraderie that keeps her coming back. "Everybody knows everybody and it’s lovely," she enthused, describing the hub as a vibrant social hub where connections are forged and friendships blossom. This community spirit transforms a simple food service into a vital social anchor, offering solace and connection in an often isolating world.

The stories from Skegness and Old Leake are microcosms of a broader national trend. The UK continues to grapple with the profound effects of the cost-of-living crisis, marked by soaring inflation, stagnant wages, and rising utility bills. For many families, these economic pressures have made basic necessities, including food, increasingly unaffordable. Charities like The Bread and Butter Thing, and the tireless volunteers who power them, have become indispensable safety nets, providing not just sustenance but also a sense of dignity and community. Their work goes beyond filling stomachs; it nurtures spirits, reduces anxiety, and builds resilience in the face of adversity. As demand for such services continues to grow, the commitment of individuals like Tiegan, Craig, Gail, and Cheryl underscores the enduring power of community action in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. The future, for many, remains uncertain, but with the support of these vital food charities, the prospect of a meal remains a comforting certainty.