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What happens when working full-time simply isn't enough to feed your family? Tracy's powerful story exposes the harsh reality many working parents face in today's economy.

As a single mother of five working as a property assistant for Kirklees Council, Tracy embodies the growing demographic of "working poor" – those doing everything society expects yet still struggling to make ends meet. After a series of unexpected health operations last year, Tracy found herself skipping meals so her children could eat, despite working full-time.

"I'd only eat maybe one meal a day, just so then I had enough food in for the kids," Tracy reveals with striking candor. Before her health setbacks, she juggled three jobs – one full-time and two part-time – just to keep her head above water financially. Now, with mounting bills and rising costs, her single income simply doesn't stretch far enough.

The Bread and Butter Thing has become Tracy's lifeline, providing six bags of groceries weekly for just £17. Beyond affordability, the service has transformed her family's eating habits. Her previously fussy children now eagerly unpack each delivery, excited to try new foods like ostrich steak. "It's not dramatic anymore," Tracy explains about mealtimes that were once fraught with tension.

This conversation challenges common misconceptions about food insecurity, revealing how it affects even those with stable employment. Tracy's experience highlights the dignity found in food clubs versus traditional assistance models – positioning her not as a charity recipient but as a savvy shopper making economically and environmentally conscious choices.

Could innovative solutions like an "Eat Well Card" help address this growing crisis? Listen to Tracy's full story and join the conversation about how we can better support working families struggling to put nutritious food on the table despite their best efforts.