A community project founded during the coronavirus pandemic will be able to help even more people in need by launching a fourth hub in the Epping Forest district.

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell established the 3food4u initiative just over five months ago and is setting up its latest facility in Chigwell Row.

The hub will be based at All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road, Chigwell Row, IG7 4QD and will be opening for the first time on Wednesday, December 16 from 5pm to 6.30pm.

It will be open weekly thereafter and means the largest emergency food service in the district will be operating five days a week thanks to the efforts of community volunteers.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Neo Naha donated 300 advent calendars

The initiative’s Loughton hub has been visited by eight-year-old Neo Naha and his parents Rina and Sanj. The youngster donated 300 chocolate advent calendars for 3food4u’s customers.

The newly established charity has received another charity after it was nominated and made it into the top ten of the Pride of Essex awards.

Founder Pesh Kapasiawala said: “This is such an emotional vindication of our ethos and vision. Massive thanks to all our volunteers, supporters and donors, and all the people and community that have believed in us.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

3food4u offers free food, home essentials, clothes, toys and more without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it. It needs all kinds of donations and volunteers are always appreciated.

The charity has a fundraising page at www.give.net/3food4u

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is meeting on Zoom at 6pm on Thursdays during the Covid crisis.

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

The club’s website is www.loughtonrotary.org.uk and its Facebook page is www.facebook.com/rotarylbc

Alice Melvin, of Epping Forest Climate Action, is due to be the guest speaker this Thursday, while a special general meeting is scheduled to take place next week (December 10).