Debbie Abrahams MP visits The Bread and Butter Thing

30/10/2024

It was a pleasure to welcome Debbie Abrahams MP recently to see the positive impact of our partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) here in Oldham.

We’re all about delivering great services that meet our customers’ needs and together with Team TBBT we bring fresh, healthy food at an affordable cost to local people - helping make their money go further, which we know is so important as cost-of-living pressures go on.

Debbie visited the NEON community hub in Greenacres, where she learned more about the affordable food service that supports around 70 people each week. She also had the chance to meet our wonderful team of volunteers with whom we work closely.

Lorraine Black, our Head of Community Services said:

“We care about our customers and it was a privilege for us and The Bread and Butter Thing team to talk to Debbie about our programme in the borough.

“We’re deeply rooted in our communities and know that times continue to be tough for some. Our affordable food service can ease this strain, and customers tell us it means they don’t have to choose between buying food, paying bills or getting other basics.

“Since we started working with The Bread and Butter Thing almost five years ago, our partnership has grown and we now operate five days a week at locations across our Holts, Sholver, Oldham centre, Royton and Greenacres neighbourhoods, which shows the level of demand out there.

“Last year we served around 7,500 sets of shopping, helping customers collectively save more than £232k and stopping tonnes of good quality food from heading to landfill.

“I’d encourage any customer who thinks they would benefit from access to The Bread and Butter Thing, to get in touch and see how we can help.”

How does The Bread and Butter Thing work?

For just £8.50 per week, you receive three full bags of shopping worth an average of £35 – one of fridge goods, one of cupboard goods and one full of fruit and veg. Or you can double up and get six bags, worth approximately £70, for £17.

The Bread and Butter Thing services for FCHO customers run from:

Wallshaw Street Community Centre on Mondays
Bethesda Church in Royton on Wednesdays
Sholver and Moorside Community Hub on Thursdays
ROC ‘n’ Rolls Community Cafe in Holts on Fridays
NEON in Greenacres on Saturdays

To find out more please contact our team on 0161 393 7117, email CommunityServices@fcho.co.uk or visit The Bread and Butter Thing page on our website.

More ways we can give you a hand with the cost of living

Access to affordable food is among the many ways we are here to give you a hand with the cost of living this winter.

Our specialist teams are here for you if you are struggling to manage day-to-day costs or facing other financial worries.

We can help you with…

Maximising your income – Support to reduce debt, apply for benefits and more to make your money go further.
Paying your rent and charges – Arranging affordable payment plans and applying for additional support.
Finding work or moving your career forward – Advice on job searching, applications and interviews.
Energy costs – Saving energy in the home and reducing your bills