A client of Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency has admitted he was “a petrol tank on empty” before visiting 3Food4U, while another believes the organisation is "a great evolution of community support".

Founder Pesh Kapasiawala has shared some more examples of the feedback the charity receives for its sessions and services and reiterated his pride in the volunteers who make life a little easier and better for those in need.

Jay said: "I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the volunteers supporting this project!

“I had a petrol tank on empty heading out to your hub and felt unable to go to my local services for support.... It was my first time ever reaching out for support but nothing to what I thought it would be... I'm still a bit nervous but honestly thank you for this. I was able to get bits that helped me and my children.

“My daughter actually said to me tonight ‘looks like you’re enjoying that’. They don't see what I eat; I mean I ate half and gave the other to my son since my eating is not the best and I'd rather give to my children before me.

“But again, thank you for your time and setting up a place of no questions or judgement.”

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Another 3Food4U client Andrew wrote: “Hello, we saw your advert for community food bank outside Epping college which our daughter goes to and wanted to ask if would be able to use the food bank.

“We are in Waltham Cross, a vegan family of five and on Universal Credit. I am looking for work, but my partner is signed off and registered disabled.

“We get referred to [another] food bank but there is very little fruit and vegetables, and the support packs are made up for us beforehand and we donate back what is not suitable for us as a family.”

After his visit, Andrew said: “Very friendly, helpful and welcoming. This is a great evolution of community support compared to the old system. Very happy, lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.”

3Food4U has a Fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/pages/3food4u

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