Lincolnshire Community Hub helps tackle hunger
The Old Leake branch runs every Wednesday, offering members around £35 worth of groceries for just £8.50
A scheme tackling food waste while helping families stretch their budgets has been making a difference in Old Leake. The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT), a nationwide charity, operates a network of 111 food hubs across England, providing affordable, nutritious food to over 60,000 families in need.
The Old Leake branch runs every Wednesday, offering members around £35 worth of groceries for just £8.50. Each weekly shop includes fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled produce, and essential cupboard staples such as pasta and cereal.
The initiative not only helps households access affordable food but also ensures that surplus food is redirected to those who need it most, reducing unnecessary waste across the UK.
Lisa Bailey, a volunteer at the Old Leake community hub, said the project has been a vital addition to local life:
“The community hub itself is a warm, welcoming environment for everybody to come to. We only open once a week at the moment due to volunteers, but everyone can have lunch for free, as many refreshments as they wish, and we do entertainment weekly. As an addition to that, we have The Bread and Butter Thing, which offers surplus food to members at a discounted price.”
Since its launch, demand for the service has far outstripped supply.
“The food service has always had high demand. From the first week we opened in February 2023, it was oversubscribed. We could only provide food for 80 members a week, but it was always at least 200 and above. The service is still oversubscribed, so not every member can access it every week, which is unfortunate,” Bailey explained.
She added that food insecurity affects a wide range of people in Lincolnshire:
“I think it affects everybody—from young families and working people to the elderly. It’s across the board, really.”
Old Leake was the first hub in the East Midlands to host TBBT, something Bailey says the village is “incredibly proud” of:
“When we read about the service and saw how it could benefit our community, it was a no-brainer. For a small village, it was quite a big thing to do, and since then we’ve helped a lot of people.”
For families facing hunger, the service is more than just helpful—it’s essential.
“Many of the members that use both the hub and The Bread and Butter Thing have said it’s a lifeline to them. If other areas could look at doing a similar thing, it might also help,” Bailey said.
Anyone interested in using the Old Leake hub can register by texting 07860 063304 with their name, address, postcode, and the hub they wish to join. There are no joining criteria.
Once registered, members receive a weekly text message each Monday at 12pm, inviting them to order. To secure a food package, they must reply YES by 10am on Tuesday. Spaces are limited to 80 people each week, and demand is high, so orders are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Orders can be collected directly from the hub, and if members cannot attend, someone else can collect on their behalf. If no collection is possible, members are urged to text CANCEL, ensuring food isn’t wasted and others on the waiting list don’t miss out.
The service depends on the commitment of local volunteers, and the Old Leake hub is always looking for extra help.
“You need volunteers, a space, and everything else—it’s not easy,” Bailey noted.
With its mix of affordability, community spirit, and environmental impact, The Bread and Butter Thing is proving to be more than just a food club – it’s a lifeline for many families.