The immediate future of a hub providing vital support to people in need during the pandemic has been secured after it received financial support.

The 3food4u charity had been looking for help to pay the rent for its shop in Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, but these concerns have been lifted after it was awarded a lifeline grant from Essex Community Foundation, Joseph and Lilian Sully Foundation and NET Coronavirus Appeal.

In addition, Loughton Town Council have recognised the impact of the charity on the local community and awarded it £2,500.

Loughton Town Councillor Stephen Murray said: “[There was] no doubt in our minds that this was a great project worthy of support. It was one of 14 grants totalling £22,100 Loughton Town Council was able to allocate to community groups doing great work across our town.”

The Rotary Club-backed initiative is so grateful for the huge community support it has received from schools, churches, businesses and community groups.

Kings Transport & Removals helped the charity with storing a large donation

Kings Transport & Removals helped the charity with storing a large donation

Last week the project was struggling to store a large donation from national charity Fareshare, but it appealed to the community and Kings Transport & Removals, North Weald came to the charity's aid.

Founder Pesh Kapasiawala said: “They’ve been incredible. Thank you Sara and Jason, it has meant we can sustain our charity with food for the coming months.”

3food4u would be delighted to hear from anyone who can support its work in any capacity, big or small.

You can contact it via email at info.3food4u@gmail.com, its website www.3food4u.org/ or via Facebook www.facebook.com/3food4u/

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

Anyone wishing to attend the meetings should contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email pesh@londonresidential.co.uk