About us

St Matthews Community Top Up shop is part of a network of churches who work together to provide people in need of food on a weekly basis. The shop provides food items collected from major supermarkets and Fareshare, including fresh fruits and vegetables, cans of tuna, soup, packets of cereals, and bread. People can fill a bag with whatever they need for just £2, the shop is open to everyone, every Thursday at 9am at the church.

We also fundraise and purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and other items that are required and not donated.

In addition we provide warm spaces at different times, lunch clubs and community hubs for those who require more than just food, along with assistance to signpost those who require additional help with housing, jobs, finance and other support.

Volunteering

All of the Top Up Shops are run entirely by volunteers and clergy who give up their time to set up, collect, shop and obtain food and goods, usually the day before. On the shop days, more volunteers are needed to man the shop, serve refreshments and clear away.

We're very keen for people to offer help and volunteer in this important work and would value any support you can give! For our St Matthews branch in Portman Road, please contact Lynn Turner, turnerlynnmarie75@gmail.com / 07855464558 or contact the parish office.

There are also Top Up Shops all over Ipswich which are always grateful for volunteers and there may be one local to you. Contact: Ipswichtopupshops@gmail.com