A Slice of Bread and Butter

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What if your water company felt like a neighbour who actually shows up to help? We sit down with Anglian Water’s customer team to explore how WaterCare turns support into real savings, from clearer bills and accessible contact to debt relief, crisis help and an industry-first medical discount that stops health needs inflating costs. The conversation starts in our community hubs, where trust is built face to face. A single Facebook post and one resident’s success story turned hesitation into a queue for help, proving that visible results beat leaflets every time...

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The most dangerous lender in your life might look like a friend. Catherine from Stop Loan Sharks joins us to reveal how illegal moneylenders hide in plain sight—at school gates, in workplace chats, and even on Social Media and why the first loan often feels like a favour before the terms twist into intimidation, shame, and spiralling costs. We unpack “double bubble” repayment traps, the confusion created by no paperwork, and how variable pricing punishes the most vulnerable.

We talk frankly about who gets targeted. It’s not just low-income househol...

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A single night can upend a life. Paula opens up about the assault that left her husband Steve with a brain injury and a stroke, and how their steady, working‑class routine collapsed into uncertainty—savings drained, work gone, debts calling and a home suddenly quiet where Sunday dinners used to anchor the week. What follows is a candid, moving account of caregiving, hospital corridors and the slow work of rehab, where a whiteboard stands in for memory and old songs help knit language back together.

We walk through the hidden cost...

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Money worries don’t pause for the holidays, and neither do we. We sit down with Matthew Sheeran from Money Wellness to explore how the debt landscape has shifted from credit cards to priority bills like rent, council tax and energy, and why buy now pay later has quietly become a mainstream risk for everyday essentials. Matthew shares what actually happens when you reach out for free money and debt advice, how his team blends online and phone support seven days a week, and why a friendly face in local hubs helps people ta...

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A tenner doesn’t go far when milk costs more at the corner shop and the drive to a cheaper supermarket eats your fuel. We sit down with Sam and Jackie, two mums who turn surplus food into dinners, neighbours into friends, and hard choices into a kind of everyday heroism. Their stories move fast: winter coats for five kids, PE kits due the same week, fuel planned like a spreadsheet, and homework set online without laptops at home. It’s the UK cost-of-living crunch at ground level, told with humour, grit, and a fi...

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A warm room, a friendly queue, and equal bags for everyone might sound simple, but they’re the building blocks of a neighbourhood that refuses to let people go hungry or feel ashamed. We sit down with Gemma from St Luke’s in Wythenshawe to explore how a volunteer-led hub transforms surplus food into affordable groceries, steady routines and real belonging. She shares how the £8.50 food club protects dignity, why the “first bag’s best” rumour is just that, and how a thousand cups of tea create doors into advice, friendship and practical help.
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A postcard view can hide a quiet crisis. On the North East coast, we meet a village split between seaside tourism and year-round struggle, where high prices, long bus rides, and limited choice make a weekly shop feel out of reach. We sit down with headteacher Helen Isaac and volunteer Graham to unpack how Seton Primary turned its school hall into a lifeline—hosting a Bread and Butter Thing hub that brings fresh fruit, veg, chilled food and staples straight to families who need both affordability and access.

What unfolds is pa...

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What happens when a third-generation family brand refuses to cut corners, even as retail tightens the screws? We sit down with Fran and Paul from Porky Whites to unpack the unglamorous truth of supermarket shelves, price wars, and the tug-of-war between integrity and margin. They share why wholesale now makes more sense than constant retail promotions, how own label reshaped the category, and the quiet power of holding the line on recipe and welfare standards.

You’ll hear a rare, plain‑spoken take on sourcing: why they’re open about not always...

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A mixed bag of food can feel like a puzzle — unless someone shows you how to turn it into dinner, conversation, and community pride. We sit down with Sue, a powerhouse hub leader in Maidstone, to uncover the reality behind a town often labelled affluent. Parkwood sits in the top 10% for deprivation on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, with food and fuel poverty, health inequalities, and isolation shaping daily life. Sue and the Fusion team respond with practical care: slow-cooker courses, starter cooking sessions, and a live “ready steady cook” night that transformed surplu...

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Food insecurity isn’t just about the weekly shop; it’s about dignity, stability, and the confidence to plan ahead. We sit down with Georgia from Comic Relief to explore how Nourish the Nation with Sainsbury’s is helping food clubs become community anchors that prevent crisis, reduce waste, and create real breathing space for families. 

From funding models and evaluation shaped by lived experience to hands-on initiatives like the Living Library and the Seasoning Shuttle, we unpack how smart partnerships turn empathy into action.

We trace how the partner...

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What does life look like when the pub lights go out for good? We sit with Dino, a veteran publican whose seven-day workweeks ended in lockdown, and follow his path through empty cupboards, mounting debt, and the quiet bravery of asking for help. His story is raw, practical, and full of heart: batch cooking stews into freezer tubs, turning chicken fillets into comfort curries, and finding a brew and a chat at a community food hub when the world felt small.

We explore how The Bread and Butter Thing’s neighbourhood mo...

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What does it mean to “do everything right” and still come up short? We sit with James, a support worker caring for adults with learning disabilities and autism, to trace the real maths of modern poverty: long shifts, term‑time childcare gaps, energy and rent hikes, and the slow erosion of a family’s “nice time” pot. James talks candidly about budgeting in pots, living on beans so his son could eat well, and the relief he found through The Bread and Butter Thing—affordable, nutritious food close to home that stretches cash and eases stre...

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A family finds a way through a system that too often blocks the very basics. James and his son, Braith, talk candidly about becoming homeless, paying monthly to store the things that make a house feel like home, and the long wait for essential adaptations that would let Braith live safely and independently. Their story is grounded in the realities many people face right now: age-based housing criteria that don’t fit need, carers without bus passes in Greater Manchester, and the strain of choosing between a van to retrieve furniture and food fo...

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Ever felt that knot in your stomach when the phone rings or another brown envelope lands on the mat? We go straight at that feeling with the Money and Me team from Mind in Salford, unpacking how money stress and mental health lock into a vicious cycle—and how small, steady changes can unlock control and calm. From the first brave step of opening bills together to six weeks of guided sessions, we map the journey from avoidance to action in a way that’s humane, practical, and surprisingly hopeful.

We star...

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A front room in Crewe, a panting old dog, and a mum of three-year-old twins who can turn one cooked chicken into three meals without breaking the bank. We sit down with Belle to unpack how an £8.50 membership with The Bread and Butter Thing stretches into fresh fruit and veg, pantry staples, and the freedom to try new foods—yes, even ostrich steaks—without fear of waste. The real story isn’t just cheaper groceries; it’s how dignity, choice, and community show up week after week in the queue, at the extras table, an...

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Helen Thornton welcomes us into Hillside High School in Bootle, where the stark reality of educational inequality meets unwavering community spirit. As both a teacher and Bread and Butter Thing volunteer, Helen offers a compassionate, ground-level perspective on the challenges facing students from diverse backgrounds in this vibrant school near Liverpool.

"I've got students who the only hot meal they get is here at school," Helen reveals, before describing how the school has become a lifeline for many families. With over 30 languages spoken and students from Nigeria, the Philippines, Ukraine, and...

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From the bright lights of theatre to the humble act of sharing food with neighbours, Garfield Allen's story shows how The Bread and Butter Thing touches lives in unexpected ways.

Garfield, a freelance theatre producer with 40 years of experience bringing creative ideas to the stage, first connected with TBBT when finances were tight. Though his work bringing dance, film, mime and puppetry to audiences doesn't always pay generously, it fulfills him in ways many never experience in their careers. "I've been very lucky in life in that way," he reflects, "that...

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Ever wondered what happens when a 125-year-old family farm meets a modern food charity? The magic that unfolds is changing how communities access fresh, nutritious food across Britain.

This episode takes us behind the scenes with Jon Hammond and Richard Grant from Hammond's Farm, a fourth-generation family business growing everything from traditional root vegetables to colourful purple carrots across their 2,500-acre farm (that's over 1,200 football pitches!). Their passion for quality produce is matched only by their commitment to ensuring good food reaches everyone who needs it.

The conversation challenges...

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"Food is a luxury." These four words from Betti, a British-Asian single mother in Newcastle, cut straight to the heart of Britain's cost of living crisis. In this powerful episode of A Slice of Bread and Butter, we meet a woman whose resilience shines through a life story marked by extraordinary challenges.

Betti's journey begins with an arranged marriage at just 16 years old, entering a world she wasn't prepared for. With remarkable candour and unexpected humour, she shares the cultural complexities of growing up between two worlds and the shocking moment...

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What happens when your life savings vanish overnight? For Karen, this devastating reality struck when a £150,000 investment in her daughter's business venture collapsed due to contractual issues with their building. This financial catastrophe arrived alongside serious health challenges after Karen developed long COVID, forcing her to leave her job as an exams officer when breathing difficulties made her work impossible.

Karen's story reveals the cascading nature of hardship. While processing the financial blow, she and her husband also took on caring for their neurodiverse 17-year-old grandson who needs significant support and f...

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"I'm a worker, not a charity case." 

These six powerful words from Tracy, a 47-year-old single mother working at IKEA, capture the essence of a profound conversation about financial struggle, resilience, and the hidden battles many families face behind brave smiles.

Tracy's story unfolds with raw honesty as she reveals how divorce left her shouldering £102,000 of debt while raising two daughters, one 11 years old and another 21 and pregnant (making Tracy soon to be "Grandma with the red hair"). Despite working consistently and carefully scheduling her hours around school runs, Tr...

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When life throws a curveball, navigating support systems shouldn't feel like scaling a brick wall. Yet for John, whose partner's sudden health decline forced him to abandon his teaching career and become a full-time carer, that's exactly what happened.

"These numbers don't add up," became John's mantra as he juggled caring responsibilities with punishing 55-hour night shifts at a retail warehouse. Despite his education and determination, the benefits system proved nearly impenetrable. For over a year, crucial support remained hidden from view – energy company hardship schemes, council assistance programs, and debt ma...

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"It's not just the food—it's reinvigorating community spaces." These powerful words from Paul Harris, headteacher at Carhill Community Primary School in Gateshead, capture the transformative impact The Bread and Butter Thing has had on his community in just three short weeks.

Serving a school where 60% of children qualify for free school meals, Paul recognized immediately that TBBT's affordable food model could complement his existing community support initiatives. What he didn't anticipate was how quickly it would breathe life back into a neighboring family centre that had become "like a ghost to...

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What happens when a healthcare professional with a Master's degree finds herself struggling to put food on the table? Emma Vinton's story challenges our assumptions about who needs community food support in today's economy.

Emma, a dedicated nurse who pivoted to medical writing after 20 years in healthcare, never expected to need help with food shopping. But when her housing costs doubled after separating from her partner, she discovered what many working professionals are experiencing—that wages simply aren't keeping pace with the skyrocketing cost of living.

Our conversation with Em...

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When Tracy moved from Working Tax Credits to Universal Credit, nothing about her circumstances changed – she was still a single mum working as a support worker on national living wage. Yet suddenly, she found herself without access to free prescriptions, dental care and glasses that she'd previously relied on. "I had emergency dental treatment more or less as soon as I migrated over to universal credit... and I had to pay for it."

Tracy's story reveals the hidden complexities in our welfare system that can leave working families in precarious positions. De...

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What drives a 15-year-old boy to flee his home country alone, crossing dangerous borders in darkness to reach safety thousands of miles away? For Farid, it was the Taliban's targeting of his family due to his father and brothers' work with Afghan special forces.

Nine years after that perilous journey, Farid has built a life in Newcastle – a city he chose for its "chill" atmosphere after exploring several UK locations. His path hasn't been without challenges; in an ironic twist, after surviving his migration journey, a BMX accident left him with pe...

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What happens when working full-time simply isn't enough to feed your family? Tracy's powerful story exposes the harsh reality many working parents face in today's economy.

As a single mother of five working as a property assistant for Kirklees Council, Tracy embodies the growing demographic of "working poor" – those doing everything society expects yet still struggling to make ends meet. After a series of unexpected health operations last year, Tracy found herself skipping meals so her children could eat, despite working full-time.

"I'd only eat maybe one meal a da...

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Lorraine Smith's journey from social worker to service user reveals the profound ways life can change when health challenges arise unexpectedly. After receiving six different diagnoses in six months, this Manchester-born professional found herself navigating the very support systems she once guided others through.

The conversation takes us through Lorraine's fascinating background – born to Jamaican and South American parents, spending formative years in Barbados, and eventually training as a social worker in 2008. Her dedication to supporting vulnerable families shaped her approach to her own challenges when health conditions forced her to st...

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The face of financial hardship is changing. Meet David - data analyst by day, heavy metal musician by night - who embodies a troubling economic trend that's sweeping across the UK.

David and his wife both work full-time professional jobs. They don't drive, don't have children, and live modestly. Yet they frequently find themselves struggling financially, sometimes unable even to afford The Bread and Butter Thing's affordable food service. How is this possible?

The answer reveals much about our current economic landscape. David's mortgage nearly quadrupled following interest rate...

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Meet Tracy, whose metal heart valve ticks audibly throughout our conversation - a constant reminder of the life-threatening surgery that became a turning point in her already challenging financial journey.

Tracy's story offers a rare glimpse into how debt becomes not just a circumstance but an identity. Having become a mother at 17 and growing up with a mother who was always in debt, Tracy's financial struggles began from the moment she had her own place. "That's all I've ever known is debt," she explains, revealing how predatory "backstreet loans" targeted her...

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Vic and Mark welcome Hayley, Assistant Chief Executive at Citizens Advice Manchester, for a candid conversation about the changing face of financial hardship in Britain today.

The discussion reveals a troubling shift in who's seeking support – it's no longer just people out of work, but increasingly those in employment who find themselves unable to make ends meet. "People who are in quotation, quotation marks, doing everything right," as Hayley puts it, yet still facing impossible financial choices. Many have depleted any savings buffer they once had and are now cutting back "to...

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The stark reality of our broken food system comes to life as Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation, sits down with Mark and Vic to unpack the findings from their eye-opening Broken Plate report. What emerges is a troubling picture of how our food environments systematically disadvantage those on lower incomes, creating a perfect storm of health inequalities.

Anna introduces us to the "three A's" framework—affordability, availability, and appeal—that shapes our relationship with food. The numbers are sobering: unhealthy calories cost half as much as healthy ones, crea...

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Not only is it National Volunteer Week but it's also our 50TH EPISODE(!) so we had to make it an extra special one. This week, it's all about Erin, sign language interpreter by day, community hero by heart. She’s not only founded a food bank in her town but also set up our Thorney hub, all whilst working with big-name broadcasters and raising two children as a single parent. Join Mark and Vic as they chat about skipping meals, hiding food insecurity from your kids and parsnips!

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Behind every food bag at Bread and Butter is a dedicated volunteer like Zosia. Having escaped living under martial law in Poland, Zosia arrived in the UK in 1982 and immediately took on multiple jobs without seeking government support. This self-reliance continued as she raised three children while working. Join Mark and Alex as they talk about managing on a modest pension, property prices and finding purpose in giving back.

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Singer, vocal coach and part-time carer, Colette doesn’t fit the typical image of someone needing food support. After a divorce in 2021, she faced sudden financial strain but has slowly rebuilt her life. Despite juggling three jobs, a mortgage, and raising two children, she struggled to stay afloat and was without a permanent home for five months. Join Mark and Alex as they talk “mystery dinners” from the weekly shop, how quickly life can change and dealing with hardship whilst surrounded by wealth.

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As part of our Slice of Life campaign and our mission to make life more affordable for working families, this week’s episode focuses on James. James is a support worker and devoted young dad doing everything he can to make sure his little boy is well fed, “I’ve lived off beans for two days to make sure my son eats properly”. Even with two incomes and careful budgeting, James and his partner still find themselves struggling to cover the basics. A situation common for so many of our members at the moment. ...

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From hospital wards to hub volunteering, Sarah bulldozes her way through life with tonnes of energy, honesty and humour. Despite working 12-hour shifts as a healthcare assistant, she makes time every Saturday to volunteer at our Neon hub in Oldham.  Join Mark and Alex as they chat about the reality of working full-time yet still struggling, challenge assumptions about who needs food support and Pickles the wolf-whistling parrot. 

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Tucked away in leafy Cheshire, Broken Cross Primary's Headteacher Donna is leading a quiet revolution in how schools support struggling families. Like so many schools these days, it offers so much more than education.  With nearly half of its pupils qualifying for free school meals, Donna's team are trained to spot signs of need to make sure no child slips through the cracks. Join Mark and Vic as they chat with Donna about the growing pressures on working families, why Bread and Butter is such an important part of their school community and o...

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"Smell it, smell it, use your eyes and use your nose!" declares James, this week's entertaining podcast guest. After precisely "50 years, 9 months and 13 days" in engineering across the Merchant Navy, Army, and food production industries, James now keeps himself out of mischief with Bread and Butter and tending to his allotment. Join Mark and Alex as they enjoy James's opinions on sustainability, food systems and generational attitudes toward food waste.

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Penny Walters tells it like it is. It's this Northern grit, honesty and fearlessness that's made her the go-to community figure in Byker that she is today. Join Mark and Alex as they chat with Penny about her incredible journey from working 70-hour weeks at a supermarket, surviving on pasta with margarine to speaking at Westminster about food insecurity as a Food Foundation ambassador.

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The final in our Team Talk mini series takes you behind the scenes to hear directly from the team at Bread and Butter HQ. Whilst these guys might not be out in our hubs everyday, they're busy making sure that things get to where they need to be and at the right time. This includes the all important food, organising the trucks carrying the food, texts to order the food and making sure people get the food. So pretty important stuff!

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What happens when affordable food becomes the catalyst for community connection? In the second of our Team Talk podcast mini series, we catch up with some of the seasoned veterans of Bread and Butter and our Chair of Trustees to unpick the magic that powers the organisation. From Dan's fondness for Flixton to Alicia's five North East faves, each team member reveals how these hubs have now become extended families. 

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This week's podcast lands with a bit of a difference. Mark and Vic are joined by guest host, Frazer McKinstry from Swissport along with a few of our newest team members for a noisy sharing of life stories. And of course there's a special appearance from Mark's dog, Blue! 

This exchange was captured at our most recent bi-annual gathering, and provides a behind-the-scenes snippet of the magic that can happen when people from all backgrounds – hospitality, nursing, retail management, and even trombone players – discover their calling in community food support.

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 Ahead of this week's government announcements, Mark and Vic catch up with Kath, who is living with multiple chronic health conditions and the fear of financial ruin if welfare reforms cut her benefits. Relying on her wife Viv as a full-time carer and Bread and Butter for affordable healthy food, they battle the overly complicated benefits system whilst struggling to eat healthily on a tight budget. Together, they talk through the impact of welfare reforms, the tough choices between pricey, nutritious food and cheap, processed options, and the toll it all takes on K...

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Ever wondered why a banana curves? Or how long it takes for a pineapple to mature before its voyage to the UK?  Join Mark and Justin as they get geeky about tropical fruit with Sophie and Shania from Fyffes.  Enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes of Europe's largest banana importer with a few weird and wonderful science secrets revealed along the way. The 7000km journey the banana goes on to reach your fruit bowl is far more fascinating than most of us realise! Have a listen and stock up on some fruity facts.

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This week, Mark and Alex sit down with Marie, a dog-loving, community-driven retired nursery nurse who’s only recently discovered pension credits after months of financial struggle. Tune in as we chat about the importance of being a good neighbour, the challenges many retirees face, from rising living costs to the lack of awareness around available benefits and, of course, Mark’s favourite topic (no prizes for guessing what) dogs! 

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Welcome to the second part of our Slice of Bread and Butter podcast Impact specials! Once again, we’re joined by the brilliant Dr. Megan Blake, Senior Lecturer and Food Insecurity Scholar from the University of Sheffield. This time, we’re chatting about how food clubs are helping change eating habits and improve health. 

We’ll be diving into the results of our recent annual survey, exploring how food clubs are shaking up cultural norms, boosting fruit and veg in everyday diets, and building stronger social connections (especially for older members of the...

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Welcome to the first edition of our Impact special two-part Slice of Bread and Butter podcast! This week, we are joined by our friend and all round accessible food expert, Dr. Megan Blake from the University of Sheffield. As part of our Impact launch, Megan joins us to unpack the differences between food banks and food clubs.

 We dive into the fascinating generational shifts in attitudes toward food insecurity, which show that younger people are more open to using food banks and food clubs, while older generations often shy away due t...

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Meet Kelly, a spirited WASPI woman whose life took a life-altering turn after a carjacking incident. We caught up with Kelly about being at the mercy of government sudden shift in pension age, the aftermath of a traumatic event, chocolate blancmange and side hustling on the small screen.

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This week we talk to Deano, a former pub manager whose life was unexpectedly turned upside down by the pandemic. At 66, Deano found himself unemployed after a lifetime of hard work in various roles. With no family and few friends to rely on, his journey of resilience is pretty humbling. Join Mark and Vic as they chat with him about learning to live on a shoestring, creative meal combinations and what Bread and Butter means to him.

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Kiera juggles the demands of being a young single mum and part-time care work but still finds time to volunteer with Bread and Butter at Broken Cross Primary School. Join Mark and Vic as they chat to Kiera about why community is so important to her, past struggles with debt and changing financial habits for a brighter future.

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As everyday life becomes more entwined with AI, Alex and Mark catch up with Salford pensioner and grandmother Gill (and her little dog Jesse), to chat about the feeling of being left behind in an increasingly online world. Not one to let these things get her down, Gill shares how she overcame cancer with the help of healthy food, her batch-cooking top tips and how much she looks forward to hub day. 

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Twenty years ago,  single mum Aga made the brave move to relocate from Poland to the UK in search of a better life with her children. After a 26-hour bus ride, a brief stint in South Wales, she eventually moved to Oldham. Join Mark and Vic as they chat to Aga about the challenges of adjusting to a new culture, dealing with grief and depression in a new country. But don't worry, there's a very happy ending!

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Imagine managing a family's food shop on a razor-thin budget as food and energy prices continue to soar. Join Mark and Vic as they chat to Claire (featuring baby Cassidy!) as she opens up about navigating maternity leave on a limited budget but also the guilt of overshadowing others in need and how shopping habits evolve when essentials become luxuries.

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Steve is one of our own. He volunteers with us five days a week and is a big part of the Bread and Butter family.  He worked for years as a self-employed decorator locally and was forced to retire due to health issues and the loss of his beloved dog Charlie. Steve needed to escape his empty house and found purpose volunteering here with us. Join Alex and Mark as they chat to Steve about why volunteering is so important to him and navigating grief. Tissues at the ready…

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Welcome to our Christmas edition. If you’re feeling the festive pinch, you’re not alone. Sarah is a single mum of four who is choosing to look on the bright side of Christmas despite a tough year. She’s worked hard to overcome severe depression and PTSD and has regained her confidence thanks to volunteering at Bread and Butter. Join Mark and Alex as they chat to Sarah who’s turned her trauma into something positive – teaching, and is now looking forward to the new year.

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Imagine having to give up your career, move between temporary accommodation whilst looking after your twin babies, all on your own? Join Alex and Mark as they chat to the ever optimistic Julcine, a young mum excited for a Christmas where they feel well-fed, safe and warm.  She's working hard to turn hardship into hope with a big smile on her face and even bigger dreams for her little family's future. 

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From Florida to Manchester, homelessness to harmony, join Alex and Mark as they chat to Nzara about how music and food have become her therapy. She arrived in the UK with only enough money to see her through two weeks and has since built up a community from scratch through cooking. Despite daily battles with her mental health, Nzara refuses to let it get her down and continues on her search to balance wellness with a busy life.

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It's a full house for this week's podcast as we have Vic, Mark, Alex and new Trustee Simone from Diageo for the occasion. Join us as we meet Holly, an inspiring mother of four who volunteers at her local hub every Friday, while managing her household on a tight budget. From bulk buying to finding the best deals, Holly is a whizz at keeping her family well-fed on very little. You may want to take notes!

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What happens when you suddenly lose your main source of income as a working parent? Join Mark and Alex as they catch up with self-employed Niamh, as she shares her story of keeping her head above water whilst balancing being a toddler mum, extortionate nursery fees and rising mortgage rates.

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Join Mark and Vic as they chat with father and son duo, James and Braith, about the trials and tribulations of being a young disabled person in Trafford, Hannah the wonder dog and how its little things that play a big part in their happiness. 

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The Bread and Butter Thing has become so much more than just food since it's launch in 2016. So much so, that our hubs have become the perfect space for other like-minded organisations to reach our members. Join Mark and Becca as they chat to Ellen and Katie from Your Home Better as they share how simple home improvements can help stretch budgets and improve health.

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Have you ever wondered how pensioners manage to make ends meet on limited income as living costs continue to rise? Join Mark and Alex as they chat to Kim, a resilient grandmother who should have retired but continues to work as a nanny aged 68.  Kim opens up about navigating life and financial hurdles on a tight budget, highlighting the broader issues faced by many who find themselves just above the threshold for financial assistance.

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From city slicker to country bumpkin to community queen, enjoy hearing about CDDO Sue's life journey with Mark and Vic. As one of the first female chicken farmers in the country, Sue doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Join us as she discusses the loss art of communication and the importance of taking the time to chat and remembering people's names. 

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We're back! After a bit of a hiatus, our Slice of Life podcast returns with Mark and a new voice, Alex the Marketing Manager. Join them for well deserved sit down with one of Bread and Butter's long-standing Community Development and Distribution Officers Jenny, to talk about making a difference, the importance of humour and spring onion juice.

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Why is a food charity concerned with digital exclusion? Join Mark and Fiona for a chat about TBBT's Connecting with Confidence project  and find out why getting online has transformed TBBT member Gemma's life.

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In the grand finale of TBBT's National Volunteers' Week, Mark and Fiona chat to some of the volunteers responsible for keeping the charity on the straight and narrow - its Trustees. Food guru Graeme reveals the geeky appeal of a warehouse, Frances talks about the joys of owning a therapy dog, Inga revels in asking the tricky questions, and Geoffroy has a call to action - the time is now! 

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In the third National Volunteers' Week special, Mark and Fiona go behind the scenes and into the depths of the Trafford warehouse to meet Andrew, one of TBBT's most long-standing volunteers. The former teacher turned tour guide recalls life at Bowlers Exhibition Centre, the occasional need to chase a van and some top tips for a visit to  Manchester.

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Mark and Fiona meet the team at Old Leake in Lincolnshire - one of TBBT's newest hubs. Hub Leader Lisa, volunteers Fiona and Graham and TBBT's Head of Region for the East Midlands, Rachael, all contribute to this second National Volunteers' Week special chatting about what makes Old Leake a special place to be.

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It's National Volunteers' Week and Mark and Fiona kick off TBBT's celebrations with Marie from County Durham, one of TBBT's brilliant volunteer drivers. Together they chat about the joys of being behind the wheel, why volunteering is good for you and getting a degree as a grandma.

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Join Mark and Fiona for the final of the pod's Impact Report specials. This week's guest is Joan from County Durham talking about her work in the community as a volunteer carer, working with street kids in India and her mountainous hobby.  

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Mark and Fiona are joined by a group of volunteers from TBBT's Dallam hub in Warrington - Rachael, Sara, Gemma and Gary - to learn how volunteering with TBBT got them back to school and on to work.

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Mark and Fiona are joined by Steven from Darlington in this second Impact Report special episode. They talk more facts and figures from the 2022 member survey, coping with life's curve balls and the best way to eat blue cheese. 

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As TBBT launches the results of its 2022 member survey and impact report, Mark and Fiona discuss the headlines, the stats and what's in store for the months ahead.

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We're back! Mark and Fiona meet volunteer and member Shireen to talk about the challenges of fulltime caring, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and making TBBT a family affair. Plus some big news about Comic Relief and Sainbury's.

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In a special episode of A Slice of Bread and Butter, Fiona quizzes Mark on how TBBT came into existence, its role on the frontline of the cost of living crisis and plans for the future. 

Mark and Fiona meet the team behind TBBT's Eden Miner's hub to chat about life in a post-industrial town, making TBBT a family affair and why aubergines are posh.

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Elaine and Pauline from Leadgate helped launch one of TBBT's newest hubs in County Durham. They join Mark and Fiona to talk life in a post-industrial town, making TBBT a family affair and why aubergines are posh.

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Mark and Fiona meet the man behind Manchester's Christmas markets, Arnd from Salford. They talk about surplus food and the environment, and bringing German sausages to glühwein to the UK.

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Mark and Fiona meet Leah from Darlington and talk about the challenges of pre-pay meters, putting the kids first and keeping up with homework.

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This week Mark and Fiona meet Sandra who volunteers at TBBT's OL1 hub in Oldham. They chat about being a TBBT volunteer, discovering new vegetable delights and top tips for rustling up a soup. 

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Mark and Fiona meet TBBT member, Kelvin, to talk about life on Universal Credit, the social benefits of TBBT and online DJ’ing.

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Launching on Tuesday 2nd August. A new podcast from the team behind The Bread and Butter Thing - one of the UK's leading food charities, supporting over 70 communities across the north of England. 

‘A Slice of Bread and Butter’ tells the stories of the people that make TBBT what it is and about life in its communities. Giving voice to some of TBBT’s 30,000 members and 500 volunteers, these are the every day stories about the impact of TBBT’s work and why people join its affordable food scheme. 

Mark Game, TBBT...