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 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.

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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!

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

3,205

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

3Food4U

2 days ago

💚 At 3Food4U, we believe support should always come with compassion, kindness and dignity.Our ethos is simple:Treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.Every week, our award-winning charity supports thousands of individuals and families through a wide range of community services across Essex and London. 🛍 Charity ShopAffordable clothing, homeware, toys, petware and household goods.🛒 Community SupermarketDiscounted food, drink and everyday essentials to help families stretch their budgets further.🥦 Surplus Food HubFree food and essentials available everyday at a different venue across Epping Forest District and North London because we believe in accessible support, with no referral or assessment required. Open to everyone.❤️ Free Health & Wellbeing ActivitiesBringing people together through support, friendship and community connection.☕ Free Social & Memory CafésFriendly, welcoming and dementia-friendly spaces helping reduce loneliness and isolation through activities, conversation, refreshments and community support in Ongar, Loughton, Chigwell Row and Waltham Abbey.We support over 2,000 families every week providing free food, essentials and support to thousands of local people.By redistributing surplus food, household goods and clothing, we help reduce landfill waste, protect the environment and give perfectly good items a second life while supporting our local community. 🌍♻️We are more than a food charity — we are a community built on kindness, inclusion and hope.See our posters for details.📞 WhatsApp: 07973 166 940📧 [email protected]💚 To support our services, text:3FOOD4U followed by the amount to 70450Together, we can continue providing food, friendship, support and dignity to those who need it most. ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

2 days ago

What a beautiful post 💜It means so much to us at 3Food4U to be part of something so positive and uplifting. Seeing Jayne and the other ladies grow in confidence, build routines, and genuinely enjoy their time in the community is incredibly special.The pride they take in their roles and the connections they’re making—especially moments like reconnecting with old friends—are exactly what it’s all about 🥰Thank you to everyone at Honey Lane Care Home for your continued support and for making opportunities like this possible. We’re so proud to be working together to create meaningful experiences each week.❤️ ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

3 days ago

🎉 Epping Community Hub – Now Open! 🎉🛍 Charity ShopCome and grab a bargain! We have a wide range of great quality NEW clothing, homeware, toys, and more — all at heavily discounted prices.🛒 Community SupermarketHeavily discounted food, drink and everyday essentials to help stretch household budgets.📍Both open Monday to Saturday, 9am–4pm🥦 Surplus Hub (FREE FOOD)Join us every Friday 1–2pm for our free Surplus Food Hub — open to everyone, with no referral or assessment needed.3Food4U Community Hub (former Re-Use Centre) Bower Hill, Epping, Essex, CM16 7BNAlso in Waltham Abbey on Monday and Fridays 11amLoughton on Tuesdays 11amChigwell Row on Wednesdays 4.45pmOngar on Thursdays 1pm🚗 Plenty of free parking available.This is more than just a shop — it’s a community space built on dignity, support and togetherness.Come down, say hello, grab a bargain, and help support an award-winning charity (proud recipients of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service).💚 Together, we’re making a real difference.Please share 🙏🏾 Epping Forest District Council Loughton Town Council Essex County Council Epping for Everyone Waltham Abbey Town Council Essex Community Foundation Epping Town FC The Good Estate Agent Loughton Epping Town Council Voluntary Action Epping Forest Honey Lane Care Home Abbey Performing Arts Find Your Active - West Essex Epping Forest Guardian Kinder Essex Epping Epping Forest & Harlow Community Transport ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

4 days ago

Inspiring day at the YES Youth Conference! 🌟Students from local schools came together to build confidence, share ideas, and start shaping their futures. Huge thanks to the volunteers and facilitators who made it all possible—your support is making a real difference! 💬👏#3Food4U #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeadersEpping Forest District CouncilEpping Forest GuardianLoughton Town CouncilYES Partnership ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

7 days ago

🌟 FREE May Half Term Holiday Club is back! 🌟We’re excited to be running our 3Food4U HAF Holiday Club this May half term, packed with fun, activity, and support for local young people!📅 Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th May⏰ 3:00pm – 6:00pm📍 Loughton Youth Centre, IG10 3SB �3Food4U 2026 May half term HAF.pdf💥 What’s on offer?✅ Fun physical activities & sports✅ Creative enrichment sessions✅ A safe space to socialise and build confidence✅ 🍽️ A free, nutritious meal every session👧👦 Open to children aged 8–16 years✔️ Priority for those eligible for benefit-based free school meals✔️ Limited spaces available for low-income families or those at risk of isolation �3Food4U 2026 May half term HAF.pdf📲 How to book:👉 Email us at [email protected] orWhatsApp 07973 166940At 3Food4U, we’re proud to provide more than just activities — we’re supporting young people’s mental wellbeing, confidence, and community connection this half term ❤️Spaces fill fast… don’t miss out! 🙌Thanks 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 Community Foundation , Find Your Active - West Essex , Active Essex Kinder Essex Epping , High Sheriff of Essex Epping Forest Guardian Epping for Everyone Voluntary Action Epping Forest Epping Forest & Harlow Community Transport Budworth Hall Essex Association of Local Councils Bondi Foundation, Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation amongst many others ... See MoreSee Less

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Our Hub Locations

Waltham Abbey

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

13 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1ER

Loughton

Tuesday 11:00am 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 6:00pm

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

Chipping Ongar

Thursday 1:00pm to 2:30pm

Budworth Hall, 205 High Road,
Chipping Ongar. CM5 9JG

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