The range of services offered by Epping Forest's largest emergency food agency was underlined last Friday when three different sessions took place.

In addition to the Waltham Abbey community surplus hub offering food and other essentials to those in need, 3Food4U's new charity shop in the town was opened and 3MemoryCafe4U session was also held for people with memory issues.

3Food4U's chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala said: "Huge thanks to our volunteers for working around the clock to deliver these vital services to the community.

"For a completely volunteer-led charity with limited resources this showcases what can be achieved by the community when we all pull together.

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"We all love our volunteering with 3Food4U, it’s an incredible privilege to be able to unconditionally support people with the most basic essentials, without being judgemental, putting dignity respect at the heart of everything we do. And the public always respond by their very generous gratitude and feedback. Thank you Gary, Jaida, Cynlla and Peter for your very kind feedback."

Gary said: "It's hard to come up with adequate words to describe how much your support means. You are dedicated and focused and I hope that the good work you do will come back to you many times over. You are all selfless, unique individuals."

Jaida said: "This was my first visit to it was very emotional but the staff were amazing and non-judgemental. Thank you Mr Bunny for making my daughter smile."

Writing on her feedback form, Cynlla said: "Fantastic people who were so warm and welcoming. Such a great variety of food which will be a valuable lifeline for me and my kids."

Peter added: "Being a volunteer is a demanding task, so thank you for contributing so much of your time, energy and efforts to it. You do an excellent job and are so appreciated."

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, visit 3food4u.org, email info.3food4u@gmail.com or call 01992 842642.

The charity always appreciates new volunteers to help deliver its vital services.