The McCarthy-Dixon Foundation (TMDF) has officially launched its new Mobile Community Shop, a service bringing affordable food and everyday essentials directly into communities across Northamptonshire.

The launch took place at Northampton Market Square on Friday 15 May 2026, following a successful first few weeks of the service operating in the community. 

Councillor Charlie Hastie, Housing and Communities Cabinet Member at West Northamptonshire Council, and Councillor Mike Hallam, the new Mayor of Northampton, joined TMDF for the official launch and ribbon cutting. 

The Mobile Community Shop has been created to help make good-value food and household essentials more accessible to local people and families. It is already operating every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, visiting a range of locations including schools, community centres, community spaces and Northampton Market Square. 

The shop offers a range of items, including food cupboard staples, fresh items where available, toiletries, household basics and other everyday goods at discounted prices. 

The service operates on a points-based system, with items labelled between 1 and 5 points. Customers can buy 9 points for £5 or 18 points for £10, then use those points to choose the items they need. Most everyday items are only 1–2 points, and pre-packed fresh fruit and vegetable bags are also available for £2.50. 

TMDF said the service is intended to provide practical, welcoming and dignified support for people and families who may be feeling the pressure of rising living costs. By allowing shoppers to access a higher value of goods for a small contribution, the Mobile Community Shop helps household budgets stretch further. 

The project also supports TMDF’s wider aim of creating more sustainable pathways out of crisis. 100% of the money raised through the Mobile Community Shop is reinvested into supporting communities across Northamptonshire. 

The charity has also recognised the important support of Deane Roofing & Cladding Limited in helping to bring the project to life. Ronan, Paul, Noel and the team generously donated and installed custom-fit shelving for the vehicle at no cost to TMDF. Their practical contribution to the vehicle fit-out helped ensure that more of TMDF’s funds could be directed back into frontline community support.  

TMDF said it looks forward to seeing the Mobile Community Shop continue to grow, reach more people and provide practical, affordable support to communities across Northamptonshire. 

Weekly locations and times for the Mobile Community Shop are shared on TMDF’s social media pages. 

To find out more about the service and how it works, visit:
https://mccarthydixon.org.uk/mobile-community-shop/