In Luton, Bedfordshire, a local charity is helping residents who are in work to manage their grocery bills through a membership scheme. Luton Foodbank expanded its Food Club in February 2026 to provide a cheaper alternative for families who struggle to afford a full weekly shop despite being employed.
The club allows members to choose up to 15 grocery items for a £5 donation, from a list that includes tinned meat, tinned vegetables and other pantry staples. The service is intended to act as a bridge for people who earn too much to qualify for certain government benefits but still find it hard to keep up with the rising cost of living.
Luton Foodbank is an independent local charity that works in partnership with the national Trussell network to help monitor and respond to hunger and poverty. The initiative has received funding support from Luton Rising and sits alongside local anti-poverty work under the Luton 2040 programme.
Liz Stringer, chair of Luton Foodbank, said: “It is disastrous that food banks have become a normal and accepted part of the UK welfare system, but as long as working people cannot afford to eat, we will be here.” Residents can use the Food Club up to six times; prospective members apply via the charity’s Food Club page and collect orders at designated collection points across Luton.
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