The Story Behind TBBT’s Social Impact
We are pleased to share The Bread and Butter Thing’s 2026 Social Value Report, which provides an independent assessment of the difference our work is making in communities across England.
At TBBT, we have always believed that affordable food is about far more than what is on the table. It is about stability, dignity, health, resilience and community connection. This report helps quantify that impact and demonstrates the role preventative food infrastructure can play in supporting households facing sustained financial pressure.
The independent evaluation, undertaken using HM Treasury Green Book aligned methodology, estimates that TBBT generated more than £132 million in social value during 2025, delivering approximately £19.07 of social value for every £1 invested in the organisation.
The findings show the scale of the impact created through regular access to affordable food, particularly for households living with persistent financial insecurity. Alongside the direct financial savings for members, the report highlights wider benefits including improved food security, reduced stress and anxiety around feeding families, improved nutrition and strengthened social connection within communities.
Importantly, this work is only possible because of the collective effort behind it. Every week, community volunteers, suppliers, funders, local authorities, delivery partners and community organisations help make sure healthy and affordable food reaches the people who need it most. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed more than 183,000 hours across our network.
The report also reinforces something we see every day across our hubs: food support works best when it is welcoming, local, dependable and rooted in dignity. Our hubs are not simply places to collect food. They are spaces where people connect, gain confidence, access additional support and feel part of their community.
As demand continues to rise and many households remain under pressure from the long tail of the cost of living crisis, we hope this report helps contribute to wider conversations around prevention, public health, food security and community resilience.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support, champion and work alongside The Bread and Butter Thing. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and belief in what can be achieved when communities, organisations and businesses come together with purpose.