Emergency food agency 3Food4U has again been reflecting on its incredible journey as it celebrated the first anniversary of the launch of its community hub in Loughton with a £10,000 donation that it will enable it to support even more people in need.

The charity has come a very long way since its founder, Pesh Kapasiawala, had the vision and ethos of treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.

The charity has thanked the community and businesses in Loughton, without whom it couldn't have managed to provide its vital service.

Particular gratitude is owed to Loughton Town Council, Lions Club of Seven Kings, Loughton Club and Loughton Self Drive.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Pesh Kapasiawala with Lion Vijay Arora

Pesh said: "On the day we were overwhelmed with gratitude as we were presented with a cheque for £10,000 from the Lions Club of Seven Kings, this will enable us to support more families especially during the coming period as the Universal Credit top up is withdrawn."

3Food4U is very conscious that it can be embarrassing and awkward asking for support for the most essentials, food and clothes, especially when you have been self-sufficient all your life.

That's why its ethos is no assessment or referral and no questions asked. If you're brave enough to ask for help, 3Food4U will give it. The whole process is very natural, just like going shopping, and all you need to do is drop by one of the community hubs.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Service user Lindsey with Cllr Rose Brookes

You're in charge of what you take, and you'll be greeted with a smile. When you're ready, you say goodbye and leave, happy and satisfied with one less thing to worry about.

The charity's mission is to make access to emergency food as simple and as easy as possible, accessible to everyone in Epping Forest district and beyond that needs it.

Starting on Tuesday, 3Food4U will be partnering with PROVIDE to offer monthly health checks to our service users, volunteers and the wider general public.

The sessions will take place on the first Tuesday of the month at is Loughton hub, and the first Thursday of the month at its hub on Ongar.

The dates for the rest of this year are October 5 and 7, November 2 and 4, and December 7 and 9.

At its last session there were more than a dozen people who were diagnosed with health issues they weren't aware of and are now being treated.

This is a free NHS health check and the charity is encouraging everyone who hasn't had one recently to visit. Booking is highly recommended.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The charity’s community surplus hubs are open as follows:

  • Monday: Waltham Abbbey – 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