A community project that has provided a lifeline for many people during the pandemic is stepping up its service in response to the emergence of new variants of coronavirus.

The 3food4u charity is launching a pilot scheme from this week offering a free food and essential delivery service to anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and must self-isolate as required.

The 3food4u Contain Outbreak project will be for two months and is being run in collaboration with Essex County Council and Essex Association for Local Councils.

The pandemic has continued to provide challenges to Essex communities and their statutory services.

The emergence of new Covid-19 variants in late 2020, which transmit up to 70 per cent faster than the original strain, means that in recent months communities in the county have seen some of the highest levels of infection in the country.

Anyone who needs help through this scheme should email info.3food4u@gmail.com or call 01992 842642.

The opening times of 3food4us community hubs

The opening times of 3food4u's community hubs

In addition, all of the charity’s community surplus hubs will stock more essential items to encourage families not to travel further than necessary and limit the spread of the virus.

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

The charity is supported by the Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell which is continuing to meet via Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

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

The club has announced its list of guest speakers for May.

Philip McKinder will be discussing Copped Hall on May 6, Julian Arbuckle is due to talk about ‘my research work’ the following week, while Premila Puri is the guest speaker on May 20, all starting at 7pm.

The club’s annual meeting is due to take place on Thursday, May 27.