The founder of Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency took to the airwaves last week to discuss the unique service 3Food4U provides.

Pesh Kapasiawala, who was interviewed by Tony Fisher on BBC Radio Essex, said: “It was refreshing to hear Tony speak knowledgeably about the issues people face accessing traditional foodbanks, and that our mission isn’t just about giving food.

“We’re a community surplus hub supporting people’s mental health and other issues too, including loneliness.”

Tony said: “For many people there’s a feeling that they don’t particularly want to go to a foodbank. They can feel a little embarrassed, uncomfortable especially when it comes to paperwork and all the rest of it.

“For them it must be an absolute breath of fresh air to be able to go in in there and get what they need.”

3Food4U is always grateful for the support it receives from the community including churches, schools, businesses, charities and social groups.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The charity was recently donated £10,000 by the Lions of Seven Kings, and thanks to its own fundraising activities as well, it has been able to buy two vans to help with food collections. This will be a big help in dealing with the increasing demand 3Food4U is experiencing.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The charity has thanked Neo – and parents Rina and Sanj – for donating 400 chocolate advent calendars.

Nine-year-old Neo has raised enough money to buy more than 2000 calendars for families this December. They will be available at 3Food4U’s hubs until stocks last.

The 3Food4U hubs will continue as normal over the festive period:

  • 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

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is continuing to meet on Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm.

If you would like to attend, contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email pesh@londonresidential.co.uk