How a Food Club in Salford Became a Lifesaver Amid Rising Costs

A couple, Debra and Steven Burke, are navigating tough times in Little Hulton, Salford. They call The Bread and Butter Thing—a food charity that offers surplus groceries at a bargain price—a “life-saver.” With rising bills looming this April, they’re worried about how they’ll manage.

Next month is set to bring significant financial changes in the UK. Households can expect hikes in water, energy, and council tax bills. For Debra, 64, who has worked all her life, accessing this service is crucial to staying afloat.

For just £8.50, Debra collects three bags of food. This allows her to redirect funds towards heating her home. Initially, she felt embarrassed about using the service, but witnessing others do the same changed her perspective. “It’s not shameful to need help,” she said.

The founder of The Bread and Butter Thing, Mark Game, started this initiative in 2016. He highlights that many low-earning families are struggling but often go unnoticed. They might reduce their meals or cut back on necessities to shield their loved ones from knowing they are in distress. With prices set to rise, Game warns that this invisible crisis will likely worsen.

Recent statistics back up these claims. From April, around seven million United Utilities customers in northwest England will see their water bills increase, adding about £86 on average to their monthly expenses. The latest energy price cap is also expected to drive up gas and electricity costs. On top of that, nearly all households will pay close to 5% more in council tax.

David Ogden, 41, a data analyst living in Little Hulton, shares a similar experience. Despite working full time, he finds life increasingly challenging. He and his wife lean on The Bread and Butter Thing, stating that although they manage day to day, there’s always some kind of struggle looming. Initially hesitant, David felt sheepish about using the service, but he now sees its immense value. “There’s a stigma around food banks, but once you recognize how helpful they are, you get past the embarrassment.”

The situation in the UK reflects a broader trend seen in many countries where increasing living costs burden working families. According to the Office for National Statistics, nearly a quarter of adults reported that rising costs were impacting their daily lives in a recent survey. As financial pressures mount, communities need to become more aware of available support systems and the everyday realities many face.

In summary, as financial challenges grow for families like the Burkes and the Ogdens, the importance of community resources becomes even clearer. Addressing such concerns requires empathy and awareness from society, along with support for those who are struggling.



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