Kirklees Together

Cabinet have brought in extra support for Kirklees’ residents to help them with the sharp rise in the cost of living.

It’s been approved that, ‘The Bread and Butter Thing’, will be doubled in size across Kirklees. The award-winning affordable food service currently has four Kirklees hubs, they are in:

• Chickenley
• Dalton
• Deighton
• Howden Clough

with a fifth hub at Dewsbury Moor due to launch in the coming months.

The hubs have been a huge success in Kirklees with the demand exceeding the number of families that can be supported each week.

The five additional hubs will be funded for one year after which each hub will become self-sustaining.

Cllr Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said:

“The Bread and Butter Thing is a unique service and I’m extremely pleased that we are looking to grow the offer in Kirklees. Not only does it provide affordable, nutritious food, it also offers customers wrap around support to help them with money, health, and debt advice.

These hubs are in the heart of our communities and there is a sense of pride from the customers, the volunteers, and all the staff who make this service so special.

I’m grateful that my colleagues have approved this proposal so that more of our communities can benefit from this excellent offer.”

Mark Game, CEO The Bread and Butter Thing said:

“The cost of living crisis is making life really tough right now and demand for our affordable food service has never been higher. We are delighted that as a result of today’s council decision, we will be able to extend our work, taking our mobile food clubs deeper into the region and serving more people and families across the Borough of Kirklees. This funding will enable us to open a further 5 hubs, serving over 400 more families a week.”

Members of The Bread and Butter Thing can get shopping bags filled. With approximately £35 worth of quality nutritious food for just £7.50. Each week members access three bags of produce. This includes fresh fruit and veg, chilled goods, as well as cupboard staples such as pasta and cereal.

Senior councillors also discussed how the £3.7million cost of living support fund from government will be used to support Kirklees residents.

Cabinet gave the green light for all families entitled to free school meals to receive a one-off cost of living payment of £50 per child. This will help families who are experiencing extreme financial difficulties in Kirklees.

Families could expect to receive this money before Christmas and it would cost in the region of £925,000.

The remaining funding will help support vulnerable people. Payments and grants such as vouchers to help meet daily needs such as food, clothing, and utilities. Residents who are facing financial hardship can apply for this funding through council’s Local Welfare Provision Team.   

If you are worried about rising household costs, help is available. For advice or support with energy bills, food bills and making sure you’re claiming all you’re entitled to visit: www.kirklees.gov.uk/cost-of-living