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.


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

3,164

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

3 days ago

What an egg-cellent Easter! 🐣🎨Our young participants had an amazing time getting creative, building confidence, and making memories at the 3Food4U holiday activities. From arts and crafts to smiles all around, it’s clear this program continues to make a real difference for children and families in our community.Thank you to everyone who helped make it so special 💛#3Food4U #EasterFun #CommunityMatters #YouthActivitiesEpping Forest District CouncilEpping Forest GuardianWaltham Abbey Town CouncilLoughton Town CouncilDennis & Dyer Boxing AcademyAbbey Performing Arts ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

5 days ago

County down to our new Epping Community Hub. Less than 2 weeks until we open on 27th April. Lots of Charity shop bargains, a Community Supermarket and drop in non-judgemental Surplus Hub with free food and essentials (fresh fruit, veg, bakery, chilled food, dairy, meat, and more). Everyone warmly welcome, no referral, assessment or ID required. We're really excited to share that our new Epping Hub will be launching on 27th April. We’re looking for volunteers to help deliver our vital services if you’re able to lend a hand, please let me know—there’s complete flexibility, so you can volunteer at a time that suits you.We will also have a full diary of free health and wellbeing activities. We're looking for people to deliver whatever your passionate about, it could be art, fitness, yoga, photography, sewing, a reading group, cooking etc. It could be any skill you want to share freely with the community.Also please share electronically with your contacts, churches, community groups, schools etc. We're looking for very good quality household items to sell, but also people to buy! We have have a Community Supermarket which will be 30-50% cheaper than the local supermarket and open Mon-Sat 9-4pm for everyone. Our Surplus Food Hub will be open Fridays 1-2pm.Please contact us for more detailsEmail: [email protected] WhatsApp: 07973 166940 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 , High Sheriff of Essex Budworth Hall Essex Association of Local Councils Bondi Foundation, Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation amongst many others ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

1 week ago

What an incredible night! 🎶Our Replay Live Music Fundraiser for 3Food4U was a complete sell-out and an amazing success — all thanks to the fantastic efforts of Steve Selby.A huge thank you to all the talented band who performed completely free of charge — And to The Loughton Club for kindly giving us their main ballroom at no cost — your support means so much.Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came along, bought tickets, and supported the event. Because of you, we raised over £1,000 to help us continue supporting those in our community who need it most.Nights like this show the power of community — and we’re so grateful to to you all ❤️You can still support us by donating. Text 3FOOD4U amount to 70450 ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

1 week ago

Tickets available on the door. Support 3Food4U and enjoy a great evening of live music today at Loughton ClubOnly 1 week to go until our special music fundraising event on Saturday, April 11. The Loughton Club will host a special fundraising evening organised by local supporter Stephen Selby and his talented band Replay.Everyone welcome.The event promises to be a lively celebration of music, friendship and community spirit, bringing people together for a cause that continues to grow in importance.Replay's performance will provide the soundtrack for a night that reflects the very heart of 3Food4U neighbours supporting neighbours, volunteers celebrating their shared achievements, and a community coming together to ensure vital services can continue.Tickets for the evening are £10 in advance and can be reserved by emailing or telephoning us, with all proceeds helping to strengthen the work of the charity.[email protected] 07973 166940 With live music, a welcoming atmosphere and a room full of supporters who believe in the same mission, it promises to be a memorable night.Please share. ... See MoreSee Less

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3Food4U

1 week ago

We're really excited to share that our new Epping Hub will be launching on 27th April. We’re looking for volunteers to help deliver our vital services if you’re able to lend a hand, please let me know—there’s complete flexibility, so you can volunteer at a time that suits you.We will also have a full diary of free health and wellbeing activities. We're looking for people to deliver whatever your passionate about, it could be art, fitness, yoga, photography, sewing, a reading group, cooking etc. It could be any skill you want to share freely with the community.Also please share electronically with your contacts, churches, community groups, schools etc. We're looking for very good quality household items to sell, but also people to buy! We have have a Community Supermarket which will be 30-50% cheaper than the local supermarket and open Mon-Sat 9-4pm for everyone. Our Surplus Food Hub will be open Fridays 1-2pm.Please contact us for more detailsEmail: [email protected] WhatsApp: 07973 166940 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 , High Sheriff of Essex 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