A shop which sells donated goods to support Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency has been hailed as “a huge success” as it marks its first anniversary of trading.

3Food4U opened the charity shop at 28B Sun Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1EE, next to Domino’s Pizza, a year ago.

The shop is open Monday to Saturday, except Thursday, from 9.30am and 1.30pm with plenty of bargains on offer to anyone who wants to help the food charity deliver its vital service.

3Food4U’s chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala said: “All of our stock has been donated and is either vintage, designer, brand new with tags, Paperchase and jewellery amongst others items.

“All funds raised go towards securing our vital service at 3Food4U. It's a great way to support us. It's been a huge success thanks to our amazing team of volunteers.”

3Food4U’s free social and memory cafes, with live music and chair yoga, are open on the following dates this month:

  • Thursday, May 11, 2pm to 4pm - Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton IG10 4NX (then second Thursday of the month).
  • Wednesday, May 17, 10am to 12pm - Parish of High Ongar, St James' Church Hall, Ongar CM5 9EL (then third Wednesday of the month).
  • Friday, May 26, 2.30pm to 4.30pm - Waltham Abbey Baptist Church EN9 1ER (then last Friday of the month).

The session at All Saints Church, Chigwell Row took place on Monday. The next one at this location will be on the first Monday in June.

3Food4U has a fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308

The charity’s community surplus hubs are open as follows:

  • Monday: Waltham Abbey - 13 Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Tuesday: Loughton - Loughton Club, 8 Station Road - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Wednesday: Chigwell Row - All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road - 5pm to 6.30pm
  • Thursday: Ongar - Zinc Arts Centre, High Street - 1pm to 2.30pm
  • Friday: Waltham Abbey - 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm

For further details, visit 3food4u.org, email info.3food4u@gmail.com or call 01992 842642.