Cartoon man with a beard in a gray cap and yellow safety vest holding a large box of groceries, including bananas, green apples, cherry tomatoes, and packaged snacks.

Welcome to The Bread and Butter Thing!

Found your local hub and signed up? Brilliant! We’re really glad you’re here.

Now, please take a moment to read through our Member Guide, which explains how everything works, what to expect at your local hub and answers lots of common questions.

Our food bags

We currently offer three different bag options:

  • £8.50: A standard set of 3 bags including fruit & veg, chilled food and cupboard staples.

  • £5: 1 mixed bag including fruit & veg, chilled food and cupboard items.

  • £17: A larger set of 6 bags including fruit & veg, chilled food and cupboard staples.

Read our Member's Guide
Kids at a birthday party with a cake, playing and serving food.

How ordering works

  1. Look out for your text message.
    You’ll receive a text message two days before your hub takes place asking if you’d like to order that week.

  2. Reply using one of these formats

  • YES £8.50

  • YES £5

  • YES £17

If you’d like vegetarian bags, simply add VEG to your text:

  • YES £8.50 VEG

Because our food changes depending on available surplus each week, we unfortunately can’t guarantee other dietary requirements.

Due to demand, we can only accept one order per member. If multiple bag types are ordered, the largest bag type will automatically be selected.

You do not need to order every week. If you don’t respond, you’ll still continue receiving future invitations.

Group of people standing next to a food bank van, holding grocery bags and crates of fresh produce, with a parking lot and cars in the background.

If your order is accepted:

You’ll receive a confirmation text the day before collection with your collection time and hub address.

Please note:

Orders cannot be changed after 10am the day before your hub.

Spaces are limited due to van capacity.

If your order is not accepted:

Some hubs are extremely busy, so places are allocated based on who replies first.

If you miss out, you’ll automatically be a priority for the following week and receive your invite earlier than usual. You’ll still need to reply YES to confirm your place.

At some very busy hubs, the priority list may roll over into a third week.

Don’t waste your place:

Said yes? We’ve packed for you. Can’t make it? Just let us know.

Plans change. No problem.

You can ask someone else to collect on your behalf if you can’t make collection in person.

Or to cancel your order, text CANCEL so that we can make sure another member or family can have the food instead.

And remember, you don’t have to say YES every week. If you skip a week, we’ll still text you next time.

A woman holding a sign that says 'Healthy Start Vouchers Taken Here!', smiling, standing next to a young boy with a big smile, in front of a shadowed background.

Collecting your shopping:

  • Payment can be made by cash or card at collection.

    We also accept Healthy Start cards.

    If you can’t make it, someone else can collect on your behalf.

    Please arrive on time. We stay at each hub for around 30 minutes and unfortunately can’t leave bags behind after collection ends.

    If you aren't able to attend for any reason please text CANCEL and this means that someone else will be able to shop with us that week.

Illustration of various grocery items including fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and drinks on a white plate.

Got questions?

We’re always happy to help. Email us at hello@breadandbutterthing.org or speak to a member of our team at your local hub.

Problems with texting?

If you’re messaging us from a different number, please include:

  • Your full name

  • Your hub

  • The mobile number registered to your account

That helps us find you quickly and make sure your order is linked properly.

Welcome again and thanks for being part of TBBT. We look forward to seeing you at your hub soon.