The idea for BOGOF Poverty came one weekend, as I cleared out my freezer of year-old food that I had bought on offer but never eaten. The next day, by chance, I came across Alex Andreou’s Twitter feed (@sturdyAlex), which that night was full of stories he was retweeting from people who had fallen on hard times and ended up foodless, cashless, homeless. I’d never read anything like it before, in volume – these folk had steady jobs, a roof over their heads. But a few months of bad luck – a broken-down relationship, some unforeseen extra expenses, subsequent bank charges – and suddenly there was no money for food, bills, rent. It happens.

Most startling were some of the stories by parents, who would only eat for three or four days out of seven so that their children could have regular meals.

We like to think we would never let our own family or friends go without in this way, but sometimes we might not even know they were in trouble and the stigma attached to asking for help is huge. We know we have to minimise the waste from our own homes and kitchens, but if we need beans and can’t store eight cans, we can still take up the BOGOF offer on a four-pack. “3 for 2” on toothpaste and toothbrushes might only mean a £1.50 saving for us but for a family with nothing, it’s possibly a dental bill. “2 for…” offers convert small amounts of money into loads.

Call it everyday magic.

It’s up to us, really. Get involved and keep in touch.