The largest emergency food agency in Epping Forest has celebrated the anniversary of the opening of one of its community hubs.

3Food4U’s Ongar hub at Zinc Arts Centre opened on January 27 last year and founder Pesh Kapasiawala has thanked the centre, Ongar Town Council, Essex County Councillor Jaymey McIvor and the community for their support since.

Cllr McIvor said: “I was honoured to be asked to cut the cake of the 3Food4U Ongar one year celebration.

“I’m proud of Ongar’s generous local businesses and Essex County Council who have given thousands to support this kind community initiative. A heart-warming afternoon volunteering and meeting residents from Ongar Rural and North Weald - thank you to all of the volunteers who have made this project blossom.

“I was delighted to be able to give a small speech to thank you all on behalf of Ongar Rural’s residents who are inspired by your kindness.”

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Mary Terry with her bouquet

Cllr McIvor presented volunteer Mary Terry with a bouquet for her dedicated service to 3Food4u Ongar over the past 12 months.

3Food4U is also working with Balgores Estate Agents Loughton & Ongar, which will be accepting donations on the charity’s behalf.

Daniel Charge, manager Balgores Loughton said: “We are delighted to be working with Pesh Kapasiawala from 3Food4U and have turned our Balgores Loughton & Ongar offices into a full-time donation hub for anyone who may have items to donate to their amazing cause.

“The work these guys do to support the local community is outstanding and we want to help make it a little easier.

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Balgores Loughton manager Daniel Charge

“They cover a number of areas throughout the week and are not always available to take donations on a daily basis, so now that we have a location open six days a week from 9am to 6pm (closed Sundays). Please feel free to come in and drop any donations you have, and we will pass them on.”

The estate agents are located at 110 Loughton High Road, IG10 4HJ and 134 High St, Chipping Ongar, Ongar CM5 9JH

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

  • Monday: Waltham Abbey – 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

For further details, email info.3food4u@gmail.com