The Bread and Butter Thing started in Manchester and has become one of the most effective food redistribution charities in the north of England. The model is simple — they collect surplus food from retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers that would otherwise go to waste, and distribute it through community hubs where members can collect a weekly parcel of fresh food, chilled goods, and store cupboard items for a small membership fee.
This isn’t a food bank in the traditional sense. There’s no referral needed and no means testing. You sign up as a member at your local hub, pay a few pounds a week, and collect a bag of good food. The membership model gives people dignity and consistency — you know there’ll be food there each week, and you’re paying for it, not receiving charity. The food varies depending on what’s been donated, which keeps things interesting.
Hubs operate from community centres, churches, and other local venues across Manchester and beyond. Each hub is run in partnership with a local host organisation. The charity has grown significantly and now operates across multiple cities, but Manchester remains home.
To find your nearest hub and sign up, visit breadandbutterthing.org. They also need volunteers at hubs and in their warehouse. If you know a community venue that could host a hub, they’re open to new partnerships.