The largest emergency food agency in Epping Forest joined forces with a schools trust to deliver two vans full of food to Ukrainian refugees.

3Food4U partnered with The Beckmead Trust which travelled almost 2,000 kilometres to Poland’s border with Ukraine to successfully deliver to help refugees of the war following Russia’s invasion.

The supplies were either donated by communities around the Beckmead schools or bought with donations given by businesses, individuals and members of staff.

The trust runs academies for children and young people with special educational needs in Croydon, Brent, Harlow and Hailsham.

Dr Jonty Clark OBE, the chief executive of the trust who was one of the team of six drivers who drove a total of 2,850 miles in 52 hours, said: “The Beckmead Trust is about helping others and no one can fail to be moved by the plight of the Ukrainian refugees who have lost almost everything.

“This is the very least we can do to help them in their time of need. We are proud to partner with 3Food4U whose ethos is treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.”

This effort was in addition to the £10,000 plus gift aid that the 3Food4U community raised for Ukraine recently.

We always appreciate new volunteers to help deliver our vital service.

3Food4U’s hubs will be open as normal over the Jubilee bank holiday period and it continues to be grateful to the volunteers who give up their time. The charity also has a fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308

The 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.