TBBT at the Data Philanthropy Hackathon: We’re Ready to Learn!

Our CEO, Vic Harper and Member Services Coordinator, Samantha Gibson headed to London to take part in the Data Philanthropy Hackathon hosted by Sainsbury’s.

More Than Surplus – We’re Data Nerds Too

At The Bread and Butter Thing, we’re best known for turning surplus food into affordable weekly shops for low-income families but here’s a little secret: deep down, we’re data nerds too.

The Power in Our Numbers

Every week, our hubs and vans generate a huge amount of information, from how often members shop, to what’s in their bags, to the patterns we see in different communities. We already use this data to keep our operations running, but we know it can tell us so much more.

Why the Hackathon Matters

That’s why we’re so excited to be part of the Data Philanthropy Hackathon. It’s a chance to work with brilliant analysts who can help us dig deeper, spot new trends, and uncover the stories hidden in our numbers. The questions we’re asking are simple but powerful: How can we understand our members better? How can we keep people engaged for longer? How can we cut food waste even further?

Turning Insight into Impact

We’re looking forward to learning, sharing, and leaving with ideas we can put into action straight away. Because for us, data isn’t just about numbers,  it’s about people, communities, and making sure our food, time, and resources go exactly where they’re needed most.

We can’t wait to see what we discover and we’ll share highlights and key learnings from the day on our LinkedIn page as soon as we can!