In pictures: Charity launches mobile community shop on Northampton's Market Square to help 'household budgets stretch further'

The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation’s (TMDF) community shop is designed to bring affordable food and everyday essentials directly into communities.

The shop officially launched at Northampton Market Square on Friday May 15, where Councillor Charlie Hastie, Housing and Communities Cabinet Member at West Northamptonshire Council and Councillor Mike Hallam, the new Mayor of Northampton, were on hand to cut the ribbon.

The shop is already operating every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, visiting a range of locations including schools, community centres, community spaces and Northampton Market Square.

The service, which works on a points-based system, offers a range of food and household items, including cupboard staples, fresh produce where available, toiletries and other practical essentials at discounted prices.

Customers can buy nine points for £5 or 18 points for £10, then use those points to choose the items they need. Most everyday items are priced at one or two points, and pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetable bags are also available for £2.50.

A spokesperson for TMDF said: “The aim of the service is to bring everyday essentials closer to local people in a way that feels practical, welcoming and dignified, while helping household budgets stretch further and reducing the need for emergency food support.

“The service forms part of the charity’s wider mission to support local people facing hardship and to create more sustainable pathways out of crisis. 100 percent of the money raised through the mobile community shop is reinvested into supporting communities across Northamptonshire.”

The charity also thanked Deane Roofing & Cladding Limited, who donated and installed custom-fit shelving for the vehicle.

The shop will continue to visit different locations across Northamptonshire each week, with weekly locations and times shared on TMDF’s social media pages.

Below are photos taken during the launch of the mobile community shop on Northampton’s Market Square.