Food in the Parish Summer 25

No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. In Great Linford Parish, there are several options available for anyone facing food insecurity or simply looking to stretch their budget. From local food banks and top-up shops to community larders, fridges, and social spaces, there are welcoming places across our estates offering access to food. Read on to find out which option best suits your needs. 

 

Community Larder – a membership-based scheme to reduce food waste. 

The Community Larder is a membership-based scheme where surplus supermarket/manufacturer’s food is saved from landfill and distributed to members. 

Members pay a £10 one-off joining fee. Then £3.50 for individuals per week and £7.00 per family per week. 

Sofea delivers enough items weekly for each membership to receive up to 10 or 20 various items depending on membership, plus fruit and veg. You select from the items on display. 

Membership is open to residents of Great Linford Parish (Blakelands, Bolbeck Park, Conniburrow, Downhead Park, Downs Barn, Giffard Park, Great Linford, Neath Hill, Pennyland, Redhouse Park, Willen Park.) This scheme is about surplus food not being wasted. 

 

Downs Barn Community Larder, MK14 7RZ 

Tuesday 11:00 – 12:30 

Find out more about the Community Larder 

 

Community Fridge - Enables residents and businesses in MK to share surplus, quality food that would otherwise be wasted and sent to landfill. 

Community Fridges are open to all, there are no restrictions on how many times you can visit, and food is free. You can also donate food to share with others. Community fridges tackle food waste. 

 

Great Linford Community Fridge, St Leger Court, Great Linford, MK 14 5HA 

Monday 11:30 – 12:30 

 

Conniburrow Community Fridge, Conniburrow Community Centre, MK14 7DX 

Wednesday 15:00 – 16:30 

Friday 13:00 – 14.30 

Find out more about MK Community Fridges  

 

Food Bank –The Food Bank provides short-term, crisis food support. If you are struggling financially and need urgent help with food, MK Food Bank can provide you and your family with a food parcel. 

 

To get a food parcel from MK Food Bank, you will need a voucher. These can be issued by calling the MK Food Bank Helpline 0300 303 4933 

Their Helpline is open from 9:00 – 15:00 Monday – Friday 

You can be issued with up to 6 Food Bank vouchers within a rolling 12-month period. 

Once you have a voucher you can redeem it at Great Linford Parish Office or one of the other collection centres. 

 

In addition to Food Bank vouchers, if you are in financial hardship, you can visit the Food Bank Top Up Shop. 

 

Conniburrow Top Up Shop, Conniburrow Community Centre, MK14 7DX 

Tuesday 10:00 – 11:30 

 

Great Linford Top Up Shop, Parish Office, St Leger Court, MK14 5HA 

Thursday 11:00 - 12:00 

 

They have a variety of store cupboard items and cooking ingredients available to buy. 

Individuals who live alone may buy a maximum of 10 items for £2. Couples and families can buy a maximum of 20 items for £4. 

 

Food Bank MK will ask you for your name and address but there is no obligation to register. 

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. 

 

Find out more about MK Food Bank  

 

Social Spaces  

Social Spaces are welcoming hubs designed to bring the community together! Whether you're popping in for a cuppa, joining in on an activity, or just looking for a friendly face – there's something for everyone.  

Offering conversation, support & connection with free or low-cost refreshments and activities 

 

Find out more about Social Spaces