New Community Centre

The new 3Food4U Community Centre at 47 Highbridge Street Waltham Abbey EN9 1BD is available to frontline agencies, charities, and community groups for FREE to deliver health, wellbeing and educational activities/sessions for free or subsidised to the public. It has a large open space with folding tables/chairs for 50 people, small kitchen and disabled access toilet.
Our community surplus hubs offering free food, home essentials and clothes for anyone in need without an assessment or referral
We’re very pleased to announce the launch of 3SocialMemoryCafe4U a new FREE monthly community service open to anyone who would like to socialise.
We’re offering FREE NHS Health Checks, Blood Pressure and BMI checks to people who aren’t eligible for an NHS Health Check.
We support people in the community and at work with a range of health, wellbeing and day-to-day needs.
Job Club. We can support with: CVs, Application Forms, Interview Preparation, Basic Computer Skills and more.
FREE online training courses to build confidence and ability to work with numbers in everyday practical situations.


Over 2000 families
(4500 individuals)
supported per week


279,000 meals provided in 2023


18,910 people fed in 2023


2,350 tonnes of surplus food saved in 2023


56% increase
on the previous year

Treating people humanely with dignity and respect

Our community surplus hubs offering free food, home essentials and clothes for anyone in need without an assessment or referral

Cover for 3Food4U
2,976
3Food4U

3Food4U

Multi-award winning charity
providing free food, home essentials and clothing to anyone in need, without the requirement for assessment or referral. Committed to treating everyone with dignity & respect.
To donate
https://localgiving.org/charity/3food4u

6 days ago

We’ve just received the amazing news that 3Food4U received the most votes for the Local Hero Awards Community Group Award — we’re through to the live finals on 11th October! A huge thank you to everyone who voted and supported us — we couldn’t have done it without you!Dear Local Hero,We're absolutely thrilled to let you know that you’ve officially been named a finalist in this year’s Local Hero Awards! After two weeks of public voting and nearly 8,000 votes cast, your name rose to the top, chosen by the very people whose lives you’ve touched. Your community has spoken, and now it’s your time to be celebrated.Join us on Saturday 11th October 2025 at the stunning Sofitel Hotel, Heathrow for a night of unforgettable celebration.🎉 A glamorous 4-course dinner🎤 Live entertainment📸 Media interviews and red carpet photos🤝 The chance to rub shoulders with high-profile guests, leaders, and fellow changemakersWarmest RegardsLocal Hero Awardswww.localheroawards.comTreating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.Support our work by donating:localgiving.org/charity/3food4uThanks toEpping Forest District Council , Epping Forest Guardian Essex Police - Epping Forest District , Waltham Abbey Town Council , Loughton Town Council , Ongar Town Council , Parish of High Ongar , Waltham Abbey Baptist Church , All Saints Church Chigwell Row , The National Lottery Community Fund , Essex County Council , Find Your Active - West Essex Essex Community Foundation , Active Essex , High Sheriff of Essex High Ongar Village Hall Cllr Sarah Jane Page Bondi Foundation, Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation amongst many others#foodforthought #ytloughton #loughtonmuums #foodbank #footssdbankdonations #essex #essexmums #northweald #food #freefoodfyorall #freefoodgiveaway#chigwellmums #foodbankessexLocal Hero Awards. The Local Hero Awards was born from a profound desire to honour the unsung heroes among us, the everyday champions who quietly uplift . ... See MoreSee Less
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7 days ago

We're grateful Love Essex for their recent micro-grant.We provide free groceries, clothing, and essential items—no assessment or referral needed—for anyone in need.By redistributing surplus food, household goods, and clothes, we help reduce landfill waste, protect the environment, and support our local community.Treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.Support our work by donating:localgiving.org/charity/3food4uThanks toEpping Forest District Council , Essex Police - Epping Forest District , Waltham Abbey Town Council , Loughton Town Council , Ongar Town Council , Parish of High Ongar , Waltham Abbey Baptist Church , All Saints Church Chigwell Row , The National Lottery Community Fund , Epping Forest Guardian Essex County Council , Essex Community Foundation , Find Your Active - West Essex , Active Essex , High Sheriff of Essex High Ongar Village Hall Essex Association of Local Councils Local Hero Awards Cllr Sarah Jane Page Councils Bondi Foundation, Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation amongst many others#foodforthought #ytloughton #loughtonmuums #foodbank #footssdbankdonations #essex #essexmums #northweald #food #freefoodfyorall #freefoodgiveaway#chigwellmums #foodbankessex ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Wonderful Recognition for 3Food4U!We’re honoured to announce that Pesh Kapasiawala (and Manisha) have been invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on 20th May, in recognition of the amazing work of 3Food4U and our achievement of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)—the highest award a UK voluntary group can receive!This honour is shared with every volunteer, supporter, donor, and community member who has championed us along the way. Thank you for your dedication and belief in what we do—this is your recognition too.The main KAVS Ceremony will take place on 10th June at Mulberry House, with The Lord Lieutenant of Essex, The High Sheriff, The Chair of Essex County Council, and other esteemed dignitaries in attendance.Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you! ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

This collaboration is a powerful example of what can be achieved when people work together with compassion and purpose. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support and proud to play our part in preventing food waste and supporting our communities.To support, partner with, donate, or volunteer, visit: www.3food4u.orgEpping Forest GuardianCllr Sarah Jane Page Rochford District Council Essex County Council Epping Forest District Council Essex Community Foundation Mulberry House High Sheriff of Essex Loughton Town Council Essex Wellbeing Service Local Hero Awards TheGivingMachine Love Essex ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Fantastic news we've been nominated for another national award. The Local Hero Awards - Best Community Group.The first round is a public vote. Voting closes at midnight on Thursday, 8th May.No second chances. No late votes. This is it.VOTE NOW:👉 localheroawards.com/voting/Please vote for 3Food4U and share with all your friends, family and contacts and encourage them to vote for us too! ... See MoreSee Less
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Our Hub Locations

 

Waltham Abbey

Monday & Friday 11:15am to 1:00pm

13 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1ER

Loughton

Tuesday 11:15am to 1:00pm

Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, IG10 4NX

Tottenham SDA

Tuesday 3:30pm to 5:00pm

Saturday 3:30pm to 5:00pm

235-255 W Green Rd, London N15 5EG

Chigwell Row

Wednesday 4:45pm to 6:15pm

All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road, Chigwell Row, IG7 4QD

High Ongar

Thursday 1:00pm to 2:30pm

High Ongar Village Hall
Mill Lane. CM5 9RN

Bruce Grove

Sunday 12:00pm to 2:00pm

RCCG

454A High Road Bruce Grove, London N17 9JD

3Social&WarmPlaces4U

1st Monday of the month

3:30pm to 5:30pm

All Saints Church Hall
Romford Rd, Chigwell Row, Chigwell IG7 4QD


3rd Wednesday of the month

10:00am to 12:00pm

St James’ Church Hall, Ongar CM5 9EL


2nd Thursday of the month
2:00pm to 4:00pm

Loughton Club, 8 Station Road IG10 4NX


Last Fri of the month

2:30pm to 4:30pm

Waltham Abbey Baptist Church, Paradise Road, EN9 1RL

Free NHS Health Check

1st Tuesday of the month

10-2pm Loughton Hub


1st Thursday of the month

11-3pm Ongar Hub


2nd Mon & Fri of the month

10-1pm Waltham Abbey Hub

Job Club

Every Tuesday

11-12:30pm Loughton Hub

How You Can Help

Donate food

We are always looking for non-perishable food donations

Volunteer
3food4u is run entirely by volunteers. Can you join our team?
Fundraising

To donate visit our fundraising page
DONATE

SHARE

If you know someone in need, or know someone who can help, please share us

About us

Run entirely by volunteers we are charity community hub that provides basic groceries and essentials to those in need. Treating people humanely with dignity and respect without the need for assessment or referral.

Phone

01992 842 642

Mobile / Whatsapp

07973 166940

Charity No.

1192310

Make A Real Change In Someone’s Life

Donate, Volunteer, Spread the word. Join us on this incredible journey to treat people humanely with the dignity and respect that everyone deserves.

"Thank you again for the help it was really great."

Ms M

"Really friendly welcoming staff. Very helpful, great with kids. Fantastic options even at the end of the day. No judgement."

Mrs K

"First time I've done this...bit apprehensive. Thought it was made painless by friendly attitude of staff."

Mr J

"This place is amazing, best emergency food support I've visited.'"

Ms L

"Fantastic resource set up locally in Waltham Abbey - food to all without question ! amazing job x"

Tracey

"Well done on all your hard work and we are pleased we could support you."

Essex Community Foundation

"You guys are all amazing at 3food4u, so welcoming and kind."

R.J.N.

"Thank you all for your kind work that you do God bless you all "

V.T.

"Incredible facility you provide"

M.S.

"You all do an amazing job"

M.D.

"Always love visiting with my son and daughter! The people are so welcoming , and the guy who I spoke to today was really funny!"

J.R.

"We are please that Loughton Town Council has been able to support your project "

Loughton Town Council

"...the fact u never feel shamed or embarrassed to attend and always welcome no matter who u are is a nice feeling"

K.D.

We received this message at 23.24pm on Wed 7th April from Michelle, which we replied immediately.

Michelle: Hi we are on benefits & we have a autistic adult son, we are finding it really hard at the moment, I was wondering if we are able to get help with food & clothes.

3food4u: Hello Michelle, I’m so sorry to hear about your situation. You are very welcome to come to any one of our hubs, you don’t need any ID or proof, and take whatever you need. It’s all very easy just like going shopping. Come early as there are queues.

Michelle: I’ve got to take my mum for her covid injection today, so was hoping to go to you tomorrow, I’m very nervous. But I saw on Facebook how lovely & friendly the people are & the people make you very welcome x

Michelle visited us on Friday, this is her experience after.

“I’ve used food banks before but never felt comfortable but when I went to your food bank everyone was so friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend you to anyone who’s struggling right now. What made it more special was the personal touch and none of the volunteers were judgemental as it seems to be from other food banks. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with everyone at the Waltham Abbey branch so I’d just like to say thank you to everyone involved.”

Michelle

Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors

Bondi Foundation

Zinc Art Centre

Ongar

Member

All Saints Church,

Chigwell Row

Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation

Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation

Ongar Parish Church

Baptist Church, Waltham Abbey

Donate Today or Get Involved

Help Those In Need By Donating Today!