The largest emergency food agency in Epping Forest has again expressed its thanks to everyone in the community that has given their support following the break-in at its food storage units.

The Guardian reported earlier this month how thieves had targeted the units belonging to 3Food4U in Ongar, stealing the entire food contents that had been donated for people in need.

Since then churches, schools and businesses have shown their support for the charity by helping to replace what was stolen, including The Haslers Foundation, The Beckmeand Trust, Rahul Kohli Family, Jonathan Zisaruk Family, Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey Baptist Church and The Good Companions.

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The four fianlists for the award

Meanwhile, 3Food4U’s founder of chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala is through to the final of the BBC Essex Make A Difference Awards.

Pesh and the three other finalists were interviewed by the radio station’s Sonia Watson last week.

He said: 'I’m overwhelmed. It's the culmination of lots of people helping, I'm just one person in this cog of community support.”

The next 3MemoryCafe4U will take place at Waltham Abbey Baptist Church Hall EN9 1RL on Friday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, and then on the last Friday of each month.

The sessions are open to anyone who would like to socialise, but particularly for people with varying degrees of memory issues and those who love and care for them.

They’re activity based with singing, word games, puzzles, bingo and more with free light refreshments.

No booking is required and call 01992 842642 for further details and share with anyone who might benefit.

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3Food4U has a fundraising page at www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308 and its 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.