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.
What's On
Our community surplus hubs offering free food, home essentials, clothes and toys to anyone who needs with.

Without assessment or referral.

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We’re very pleased to announce the launch of 3SocialMemoryCafe4U a new FREE monthly community service open to anyone who would like to socialise.
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We’re offering FREE NHS Health Checks, Blood Pressure and BMI checks to people who aren’t eligible for an NHS Health Check.
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We support people in the community and at work with a range of health, wellbeing and day-to-day needs.
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Job Club. We can support with: CVs, Application Forms, Interview Preparation, Basic Computer Skills and more.
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FREE online training courses to build confidence and ability to work with numbers in everyday practical situations.
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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

Donate Now
iNews National press - read the article
Read about Michelle's experience
See what happened when Heart/LBC Radio came to see us!

We are community surplus hubs offering free food, home essentials, clothes, toys without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it.

Cover for 3Food4U
2,594
3Food4U

3Food4U

Community surplus hubs offering free food, home essentials, clothes, toys without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it. Treating people humanely with dignity and respect.

To donate visit our fundraising page
https://www.give.net/3food4u

3Food4U

1 day ago

3Food4U
We're very proud to be be the shirt sponsors of Epping Town & Epping Youth FC paid generously by a 3Food4U supporter. Christine Ellsom from the club said " Leo who was Man of the Match today. He worked hard in midfield to win the ball and break up the opposition’s play, creating attacks and assisting a goal. Well done Leo! 👏⚽️🐏We're offering free groceries, clothes and essentials without assessment or referral to anyone who needs it. Stopping food, household essentials and clothing going to landfill, saving the environment and feeding the community.Treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.Fundraising pagewww.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308#eppingtown #grassrootsfootball #Rams ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

2 days ago

3Food4U
Urgent weather notice.We are open as normal today in Loughton. But we politely request all service users NOT to arrive before 10.30am. ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

3 days ago

3Food4U
Huge thanks to Epping Forest Guardian ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

3 days ago

3Food4U
We received this wonderful message of support regarding our vital service."3Food4U is an incredible testament to the vibrant community spirit of Epping Forest. "Not just a collection of towns and villages, Epping Forest is a community and people like Pesh, and all his volunteers, are the backbone of the compassionate and inclusive society we strive to foster here in West Essex. "In challenging times, it is so heartwarming to know - whether you're in need or not - that caring local people are there to act as a safety net for when things go wrong. I must say a deep and sincere thank you to the whole 3Food4U family for all they do." Dr Neil Hudson MPMember of Parliament for Epping ForestThanks 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 , Essex County Council , Essex Association of Local Councils , Essex Community Foundation , Find Your Active - West Essex , High Sheriff of Essex Active Essex, 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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3Food4U

4 days ago

3Food4U
Dear Waltham Abbey Businesses and Residents.You may or may not be aware of a deeply concerning petition that has been circulated regarding 3Food4U and distressing volunteers and the families and individuals who rely on our vital services. Out of respect we will not name the businesses.We acknowledge and respect your concerns regarding the operations of 3Food4U on Sun Street, Waltham Abbey. As a vital community resource dedicated to addressing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable individuals, we take your feedback very seriously and want to ensure transparency in addressing the issues raised.Who We Are and What We Do3Food4U is a recognised, award-winning community-focused charity. Recently, we received the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) from His Majesty King Charles—the highest recognition for voluntary groups in the UK. This honour reflects the rigorous evaluation of our policies, procedures, finances, and the significant positive impact we make. We are the first charity in Waltham Abbey and only the second in Epping Forest to receive this accolade in nearly 25 years.We are a team of local volunteers—no paid staff—who dedicate ourselves passionately & wholeheartedly to helping the community. Some of us work seven days a week, often for 6–7 hours a day, while also raising the funds needed to operate.Our vision is rooted in treating people with dignity and respect. Unlike traditional food banks, we don’t require referrals, assessments, or bank statements. This approach eliminates delays and stigma, ensuring that struggling families can access immediate support without embarrassment.Our holistic services include access to NHS health checks, debt relief advice, counselling, job clubs, and Memory Cafés for isolated individuals and those with memory issues. Our mentoring programme support secondary school students across Epping Forest, including King Harold Academy, inspiring them to make better life choices.We partner with leading businesses to rescue surplus food—fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, bakery items, and more—that would otherwise go to landfill, contributing to global warming. This surplus is distributed free of charge to families alongside essential items like clothing, toiletries, and household goods. We are particularly focused on fresh fruit & vegetables which is essential for a healthy nutritious lifestyle, but out of reach of many family budgets. On average, the families we serve take home over £100 worth of food and essentials per week, helping them redirect savings toward other local businesses.Our operations in Waltham Abbey alone support over 200 families weekly, equating to £20,000 of community aid per week (£1 million annually). Across all our hubs, we deliver £10 million of support annually. We are proud of the economic and social impact we bring to the area. Almost all of that will be re-circulated back in the local economy but not to the big supermarkets. People may treat themselves by spending the money they've saved at the local hairdressers, pub/restaurant, carpet shop, travel agency, nails/beautician, pay off debt or rent arrears etc. We are proud of playing such a significant role in the local economy. We know for certain our volunteers and service users use the local shops, which they didn't before we arrived.Addressing the Specific Concerns1. Public Urination & TheftWe share your concerns about public urination and theft, but attributing these actions solely to 3Food4U is unfair. Anti-social behaviour in Sun Street and Waltham Abbey occurs independently of our operations. For example, the veterinary clinic next door recently had its window smashed when we were closed. Public urination and vandalism often occur during weekends and outside our service hours.We strongly encourage residents to report any incidents to the police, and we strictly ban individuals reported to us for misconduct. We are committed to working with local authorities to create a safer Sun Street for everyone.2. OvercrowdingThe rising cost of living has increased demand for our services. While this brings more attendees, 99% of them are respectful, law-abiding local residents—our neighbours, friends, and community members.We actively manage crowds with marshals, a registration process, and orderly queues to prevent disruption. We also strive to keep pathways clear for businesses and pedestrians. While it’s not perfect, we are open to constructive feedback on improving this system further.3. Vehicular Access to Rear EntrancesOur operations involve large amounts of surplus food, requiring the use of multiple vans for collection and delivery. While we may occasionally block a driveway during unloading, we always move promptly—typically within one minute—when requested. If we are notified in advance of specific access needs, we ensure driveways are kept clear.Our Commitment to the CommunityAt 3Food4U, we exist to serve the community, and we are committed to balancing our mission with the concerns of residents and local businesses. We welcome ongoing dialogue to find practical solutions that address these issues while allowing us to continue supporting those in need.If you would like to discuss this further or propose additional solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together, we can work toward making Waltham Abbey a thriving, inclusive community for all.Thank you for your understanding and support.Sincerely,Pesh Kapasiawala BCAChair of Trustees, 3FOOD4UWhatsApp: 07973 166940 Email: [email protected] ... 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

EMail

[email protected]

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.

Please Donate

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

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