The bread and butter thing

Every week The Bread and Butter Thing mobile food clubs give access to nutritious and affordable food taken into the heart of communities starved of money, food and resources. This low cost weekly shop provides essential produce for family eating – fresh fruit and veg, fridge favourites and cupboard staples. Their aim is to:

  • Improve diets with a diverse variety of healthy produce and products
  • Diminish loneliness and reduce the stress of stretched finances.
  • Work with communities, who manage the distribution of food, building friendships, skills and connections.
  • Listen and learn, building understanding of the issues facing our members and give voice to their stories, amplifying them and affecting change at a local and national level.

Find out more at What We Do — The Bread and Butter Thing and Become a Member — The Bread and Butter Thing.

Our Community Coordinators have been supporting The Bread and Butter Thing  since the scheme started to support a number of  communities across Kirklees. At the moment Coordinators visit Cowlersley Community Support, Chickenley Community Hub, Heckmondwike United Reformed Church, Thornhill Lees Community Centre, Rawthorpe and Dalton Library and The Chestnut Centre, providing advice and information to those people using the scheme. Find the nearest Food Club to you by visiting The Bread and Butter Thing.

Meet Leah

One of the success stories of a true collaboration of support is Leah, who was introduced to Community Plus by her Employment Coach at REAL Employment. Working with Community Coordinator, Joy Cummings-Douglas, they explored what Leah wanted to do and found she has a true passion for food after completing further education in this area.

Her sight impairment was limiting what she was able to access but she didn’t want that to stop her doing the things she loved and support the community she lived in. Joy had built up a strong relationship with the local mobile food club at Cowlersley and asked if Leah would like to try it out. Joy initially accompanied Leah to the club so she could introduce her to the other volunteers. Leah really took to the job and was soon packing up bags to give to the people who had come to the food club. Leah supports the other volunteers every week, packing over 80 bags a week to support local families.

REAL Employment

Leah is going from strength to strength since meeting Joy, her confidence increases after each session. This support, alongside REAL Employment will help Leah develop the skills to secure paid employment and most of all has given her a sense of purpose doing something she really enjoys. REAL aims to support adults aged 18+ with learning disabilities, autism and/or additional needs into paid, sustainable employment. They match their interests and skills to a job they want. If you’re an employer and you have a role to fill, let REAL Employment help. There are lots of ways they can help you: Match your skills to suitable volunteering and job opportunities, Write your CV, Prepare for interviews, Training, Support you when you’re working.

Read more about REAL Employment and how to access support.