At TBBT, we believe affordable food is about far more than what is on the table.
It is about stability, dignity, health, resilience and community connection. Every week, we see the difference consistent, affordable food access can make for households facing sustained financial pressure.
Working with the Social Value Portal, The Bread and Butter Thing commissioned an independent evaluation of the social value created through our work in communities across England, helping assess the wider difference affordable food support is making to households and communities.
This work is only possible because of the collective effort behind it. Every week, 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.
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 contributes to wider conversations around prevention, public health, food security and community resilience.
Using HM Treasury Green Book aligned methodology, the evaluation 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 highlight the impact created through regular access to affordable food, including improved food security, reduced stress and anxiety around feeding families, improved nutrition and stronger social connection within communities.
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.
