First Choice Homes opens fifth The Bread and Butter Thing hub in Royton

Working in partnership with TBBT, Oldham-based social landlord, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO), has invested over £80,000 to combat poverty among its customers on low incomes and bring a discounted food service to their local communities.

Its fifth hub opened this week at Bethesda Church in Royton, making affordable food available five days a week.

The partnership strives to increase the amount of disposable income in FCHO tenants’ pockets, so they don’t have to choose between buying food, paying bills or buying other basics.

The affordable food service takes place every week at community centres in some of the most deprived areas in the borough.

For just £7.50, customers’ shopping bags are filled with a minimum of £35 worth of items made up of quality fresh food and store cupboard staples from supermarkets.

Those with larger families have the option to pay £15 for a double order and FCHO’s Community Impact Team will also hand deliver shopping to customers whose health needs may make it difficult to attend.

Bethesda Church is already a thriving community hub led by Pastor Geoff Goodwin, who also leads a variety of community projects such as a school uniform project, emergency food parcels and a second-hand furniture offering.

FCHO's affordable food service will enhance this already thriving community hub.

FCHO's partnership with TBBT is one element of the wraparound service its Community Impact team provides tenants, offering support to its most in-need customers in many areas from helping them to find work and support to help them stay living independently, to assisting them with managing debt or accessing benefits and helping them access suitable housing and affordable furniture.

Lorraine Black, Head of Community Services at FCHO, said: “I am immensely proud of the work our Community Impact team has carried out to enable us to launch our fifth affordable food service for our customers since the partnership with TBBT launched in November 2019.

"The past year has presented many challenges and for lots of people, access to affordable food has been crucial and means our partnership with TBBT has been more important than ever.

“Using TBBT is a win-win situation for everyone as perfectly good food is saved from landfill, and our most in-need customers receive at least three bags of shopping for just £7.50.

"This is exceptionally good value and means they have more money left over to spend on other essential necessities such as paying their rent and bills.

“I look forward to seeing our new Royton-based service grow and encourage any of our Royton-based customers who would benefit from accessing TBBT to come forward by emailing us or calling our Contact Centre.

"If you aren’t based in Royton, you can find details of our other services on our website.”

Mark Game, TBBT Chief Executive, added: "TBBT never works in isolation.

"We build partnerships with local authorities, housing associations and community groups to ensure that our affordable food service can reach those most in need, whilst helping to build stronger community connections and resilience. 

"As the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt, we know that an increasing number of people need access to affordable food, so our partnerships are an even more vital element of our work."

Any FCHO customers who feel they would benefit from accessing TBBT are encouraged to get in touch with the Community Impact team by emailing: CommunityImpact@fcho.co.uk or calling 0161 393 7117.

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