A charity which has provided a lifeline to many people in Epping Forest during the pandemic has joined forces with a London organisation with the same mission.

3food4u has announced a partnership with London surplus charity City Harvest to become its main agency in Epping Forest district.

City Harvest rescues quality surplus food from retailers, manufacturers and eateries which would otherwise be sent to landfill and ensures it reaches those most in need and facing food poverty.

The partnership means 3food4u will be able to provide even more nutritious fruit, vegetables and fresh food to the community.

This Is Local London:

Sham from City Harvest

A City Harvest spokesman said: “Food poverty is no longer a phenomenon reserved for those living below the poverty line: hardship, unemployment, social isolation, and economic uncertainty have contributed to a surge of people accessing free food for the first time.

“The charities to whom we deliver are the beating hearts of their local communities, often offering a whole host of services as well as food distribution. For these communities, food is instrumental in reaching out to vulnerable people and often, food acts as a gateway to other services.

“Food as an emergency response to Covid-19 has been a lifeline for many, and now our charity partners are looking for sustainable pathways out of poverty for their dependents.”

3food4u is keen to hear from anyone involved in a community group, church, school or business who would like to work with the charity to support the community.

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

3fod4u'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.