Mobile top up shops
If you need longer-term help, our Top Up Shops let you choose the food that works for you and your family.
How it works.
The shop is a service run by MK Food Bank and is designed for anyone who lives in Milton Keynes who is in financial hardship. We have a variety of store cupboard items and cooking ingredients available to buy.
Top Up Shops provide a respectful, choice-based alternative to emergency parcels.
Individuals who live alone may buy a maximum of 8 items for £2, or 12 items for £3
Couples and families can buy 16 items for £4, 20 items for £5 or 24 items for £6
If you’re going through a difficult time, we’re here for you. We offer a kind welcome, food and practical support to help you feel more stable and in control again. There will be no judgment – just respect, choice and real help.
About the Mobile Top up Shops:
- Firstly you will need to register. You can do this by calling our Helpline: 0300 303 4933 (Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm). Our Helpline operatives will ask you some questions about your household and your circumstances. If you would prefer to do this face to face, you can go to one of volunteers at the Mobile or In house top up shops.
- Once you’re registered, you’ll need to bring proof of address to the shop (driving licence, utility bill, benefits letter etc).
- We have seven mobile Top Up shop locations across Milton Keynes, and 3 in-house venues, see below. Once you have registered you can visit a different location if it is more convenient. You are entitled to a maximum of one visit per week.
- You do not have to attend every week – come along when you need to.
- Visiting the shop won’t count towards Food Bank limits.
Our Helpline is open from 9:00 – 15:00 Monday – Friday
- Call the Helpline: 0300 303 4933
- Text HELP to 07874 964 505
- Our Helpline is open from 9:00 – 15:00 Monday – Friday
Case Study
A working mum of two came to us when she suddenly became unwell and had to take time off work. We supported the family with emergency parcels while she recovered, helping ease the immediate pressure. As soon as she was able to return on a staggered basis, she chose to use the Top Up Shop, because it gave her more choice and felt far more normal to her.
Top Up Shop Locations
Frank Moran Centre, Melrose Avenue, Bletchley, MK3 6PA
Every 2nd Saturday
10:00 – 12:00
Conniburrow Community Centre, 37-39 Conniburrow Boulevard, Conniburrow, MK14 7DX
Every Tuesday
10:00 – 11:30
Broughton Pavilion, 139 Tanfield Lane, Broughton MK10 9NJ
Every Wednesday
10:00 – 11:30
Kings Community Centre, Creed Street, Wolverton, MK12 5LY
Every Wednesday – closed during School Holidays.
12:30 – 14:30
Sir Herbert Leon Academy, Fern Grove, Bletchley, MK2 3HQ
Every Thursday
10:00 – 11:30
Great Linford Parish Council, 1 St. Leger Court, MK14 5HA
Every Thursday
11:00 – 12:00
Rowans Family Centre, Fullers Slade, MK11 2BD
Every Thursday
13:00 – 14:30
New Life Church, Bradwell Road, New Bradwell, Milton Keynes MK13 0EJ
Every Thursday
12:30 – 14:00
Venture Church - (formally MKCC), Strudwick Drive, Oldbrook, MK6 2TG
Every Friday
10:00 – 11:30
Hedgerows Family Centre, Langland Road Netherfield MK6 4NP
Every Friday
13:30 – 14:30
MK Community Fridge
You can access Community Fridges in Milton Keynes (free) enabling residents and businesses in MK to share surplus, quality fresh food that would otherwise be wasted and sent to landfill. Times and locations are on their Facebook page. MK Food Bank is sharing this information as a partner to Community Fridge, this is not run by MK Food Bank but by Food Connect.
