A number of schools, churches and businesses across Epping Forest have been thanked for their donations which enable the district’s largest emergency food agency to continue to help those in need.

Chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala has reiterated the community can depend on 3Food4U as the cost of living crisis continues to affect many people, but that it wouldn’t be able to provide its vital service without the support of others.

Pesh said: “During these times of unprecedented uncertainty and economic crisis, there is one thing you can rely on. Our dignified support. Our whole system is built on trust. Our ethos is to treat people humanely with dignity and respect.

“Our charity is run entirely by tireless volunteers who fully understand the issues our service users are going through, and are in the best position to make all the operational decisions.

Epping Forest Guardian: Chigwell School with Revd David Wilson, right.Chigwell School with Revd David Wilson, right. (Image: 3Food4U)

“We've designed our processes to make it as easy as possible for vulnerable families/individuals to access our support regardless of how difficult it might be to deliver. That's why we don't ask for a referral or assessment. That's why we open seven days a week, offering high quality nutritious fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery, chilled food, cupboard food and clothing. That's why we open every day regardless, including bank holidays and Christmas Day. People have to eat! That's why we are continually working around the clock to provide additional support.

“We are much more than a foodbank, we are a community surplus hub, whether that's for food, clothing, household essentials, counselling, NHS health checks, job club, social club (Memory Cafe) and much more. Community supporting community.”

Epping Forest Guardian: Revd Jane Yeadon from St Thomas' Church.Revd Jane Yeadon from St Thomas' Church. (Image: 3Food4U)

Pesh has thanked the following for their donations: Chigwell School; White Bridge Primary School; St Thomas Church, Upshire; High Beach Church; Waltham Abbey Church; Waltham Abbey Baptist Church; High Beach Primary School; Epping Uplands Primary School; Scribbles Nursery, North Weald; Queens Nursery, Buckhurst Hill; North Weald Nursery; Roding Valley High School; All Saints Church, Chigwell Row; Parish of High Ongar; St Paul's Church, Hainault; The Good Companions; Applegreen Service Station, Norton Heath.

He added: “Our sincere apologies if we've not mentioned you personally, we are very grateful for all donations received, without which we would not be able to deliver our vital service.”

Epping Forest Guardian: White Bridge Primary School handing over their donations.White Bridge Primary School handing over their donations. (Image: 3Food4U)

3Food4U continues to urgently need long-life food donations.

These can be dropped of at any of its community surplus hubs, Balgores Estate Agents in Loughton and Ongar or call 01992 842642 to arrange a collection.

The 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.