A charity and the local authority are opening five new low-cost food clubs across Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, to help residents save money on their weekly groceries. The Bread and Butter Thing is working with Gateshead Council to roll out the service over the next three years. This project aims to make nutritious food more accessible to families across the borough.
The most recent club opened its doors at the Chowdene Family Hub in early February 2026. Members at these clubs receive a weekly shop that usually consists of about 80 per cent fruit, vegetables, and chilled items at a much lower price than high street shops. Membership is free and open to everyone living in the borough, with no requirement for a referral from a doctor or professional service.
The expansion follows a successful pilot project at the Deckham Family Hub, located at the Elgin Centre, which provided more than 50,000 meals to 458 members between September and the end of 2025. Local volunteers played a major role in the success of the test run, contributing nearly 900 hours of work over four months. This community-led approach is now being used to reach more neighbourhoods in the coming weeks.
These clubs are hosted within Gateshead Connects Spaces, which serve as community hubs. These locations allow residents to pick up their shopping while also getting face-to-face advice on housing, budgeting, and mental health support. The project is designed to help people tackle the causes of financial worries in a friendly, local setting.
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