A community project which has provided a lifeline to many people in Epping Forest throughout the pandemic has received a commendation from a national food surplus charity.

3food4u has been working with FareShare over the last ten months and their partnership has resulted in 30 tonnes of food being collected and redistributed. This is the equivalent of 70,000 meals and it has also benefited the environment, with more than 100 tonnes of carbon dioxide being saved.

The commendation read: “We are proud to work with and provide surplus food to organisations like 3food4u who work tirelessly to support and strengthen their community, especially in times of great need.

“With an extensive team of dedicated and hardworking volunteers, 3food4u use the FareShare Go scheme to redistribute surplus food items from local stores to four large food hubs across the North East London and Essex regions.

“3food4u pride themselves on their clear and effective ethos of ‘creating a non-judgemental zone’ for those in the community who ask for help.

"They are very conscious that it can be embarrassing and awkward asking for support for the most basic essentials, especially when you have been self-sufficient all your life. If you're brave enough to ask for help they give it.

“Supporting everyone in a dignified and humane way is not only their brand but it’s the lifestyle they live by. Their devoted work has become known to be a 'lifeline in these troubling times'.”

If you can support 3food4u or would like to get involved in the charity in any way, email info.3food4u@gmail.com or call 01992 842642.

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

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

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

Julian Arbuckle will be talking about ‘my research work’ when he is the guest speaker tomorrow, Premila Puri is the speaker on May 20, while the club will be holding its annual meeting on Zoom on May 27.