Karbon partnership brings affordable food to families throughout the North East

We are delighted that Karbon Homes’ partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing (TBBT) has been shortlisted in the 2026 Housing Heroes Awards for 'Best company health and wellbeing initiative'. 

The Bread and Butter Thing is a fantastic charity that supports thousands of families throughout the UK every week by providing nutritious and affordable food in communities where the need is greatest. The North East has some of the highest levels of food insecurity in the UK and Karbon has partnered with TBBT and provided funding to set up four new hubs across the region. Over the last four years these hubs have provided over 457,000 meals and supported over 1,600 families.

Paul Moralee, Head of Community Investment and Social Value at Karbon Homes, said: “We know that many of our customers are struggling with today’s high cost of living, so working with a charity that helps give families access to healthy food for a fraction of the supermarket cost aligns with our mission to provide strong foundations for life.

“It’s a very impactful way that we can support local people and help shape healthier communities which goes beyond our traditional landlord responsibilities.”

The Bread and Butter Thing run weekly ‘food hubs’ in community centres, church halls and local schools where members can access heavily discounted bags of fresh fruit, vegetables, fridge and store cupboard items to feed their families and ease some of the pressure on stretched household budgets.

One of the food clubs supported by Karbon Homes is at The Grove Primary School, in Consett, County Durham. Debbie Ridley, a Lunchtime Supervisor at the school, said the service is a big help for local families: “A lot of people are struggling, and this helps save money. It’s really good value and it’s amazing what you get. I’ve managed to start saving towards my son’s wedding – I couldn’t have done that before.”

Andrea Hillary said her family love it. “There’s a buzz in the house about what’s in the bag – it’s a surprise every week. For £8.50 you get way more than you would from a supermarket.” While Carly Grundy, added: “People call them the ‘Ready Steady Cook bags’. We have a group chat where we have a look at what’s in the bags then swap recipe ideas.”

Vic Harper, Chief Executive of The Bread and Butter Thing, comments: “Karbon Homes has been a brilliant partner in helping us bring affordable food clubs into communities where they can make a real, practical difference.

Our clubs are about much more than food. They help families stretch their budgets, access fresh and varied produce, and take a little pressure out of the weekly shop. Just as importantly, they create welcoming community spaces where people feel known, supported and connected.

The Karbon Homes funded hubs in Stobhill, Benwell, Byker and Moorside have each grown in their own way. Some have been part of their communities for several years now, while others are newer and already building strong local roots. Together, they are helping thousands of families access affordable food close to home, week after week.

The partnership with Karbon homes has helped reach more people, in the right places, with a model that is inclusive, dignified and rooted in community.”

The hubs that Karbon Homes have funded are in the heart of our communities:

·         Stobhill hub in Morpeth, launched in October 2022, has delivered 202,982 meals to 631 members  

·         Benwell and Byker hubs in Newcastle, launched in 2023, have jointly delivered 231,864 meals to 905 members 

·         The Grove in Consett, launched in November 2025, has already delivered 22,772 meals to 156 members 

Whilst we wish that the need wasn’t so great, we are pleased to see that these hubs have been embraced by the local communities. It’s also great to hear about the additional mental and social benefits, demonstrating how a food initiative can have sustained, wider wellbeing outcomes.