The founder of Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency has reiterated the philosophy behind his charity amid rising concerns that people are not seeking help because of the stigma.

Research by the BBC suggests some people in need of support are being driven away from asking for assistance because of a sense of a shame.

Cardiff University found that people living in a close-knit community were more worried about what others thought and likely to wait until "absolutely desperate".

Research in the Journal of Poverty and Social Justice also found some people who had used foodbanks used words like "embarrassed, "uncomfortable" and “worthless”.

It was for all these reasons that Pesh Kapasiawala started 3Food4U in the first lockdown in 2020.

He said: “I was very conscious that it can be embarrassing and awkward asking for support for the most basic essentials, food and clothes, especially when you have been self sufficient all your life.

“That's why our philosophy is no assessment or referral and no questions asked. If you're brave enough to ask for help we give it. Just drop in. We trust you. The whole process is very natural, just like going shopping. You're in charge of what you take and you'll be greeted with a smile. When you're ready, you say goodbye and leave, happy and satisfied with one less thing to worry about.”

This Is Local London:

3Food4U’s chair of trustees continued: “We are not labelling this as a foodbank as there are negative connotations around them, but a community surplus hub, as much of what we are distributing would be sent to landfill, and because we were set up by the community to support the community. All the major agencies are signing posting to us, as it's much easier for everyone. And we refer and signpost people on to agencies if requested or we feel people need further support. Our ethos is treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.

“A big motive too is to stop much of what we have been given by large PLCs going to landfill. We have distributed 100s tonnes of food which is the equivalent of 100,000s meals, saving 100,000 tonnes of CO2 going into the atmosphere, so you’re doing your bit for the environment by taking the food.”

3Food4U 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.