The founder of Epping Forest largest emergency food agency has been hailed as “a knight in shining armour” after celebrating the second anniversary of supporting a community.

3Food4U marked two years of its community hub in Ongar on Thursday of last week and chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala took the opportunity to thank a host of people.

He said: "We've made so many wonderful friends. Massive thanks to the community for stepping up, we couldn't deliver our vital service and get this far without the generous and kind support of our host Zinc Arts, our amazing volunteers, Ongar Town Council, Parish of High Ongar, Sainsbury’s Chipping Ongar, Tesco Esso Express, Applegreen Norton Heath (Di Hale), The Good Companions, Ongar Dairy Group, Alex Burghart MP, Essex County Council Cllr Jaymey McIvor amongst so many individuals, groups, churches and businesses.”

Cllr McIvor sent this message: "I am sorry I can not be with you this afternoon for this special occasion.

"When I entered the County Council political arena, it was at a time when our communities were on their knees due to Covid 19.

"Pesh Kapasiawala, like a knight in shining armour, was setting up friendly food banks across Epping Forest.

"I knew Ongar needed one.

"With Pesh's enthusiasm and the right Ongar people onboard, we did it.

"Now look what we have…. A thriving success. People in Ongar get support now. More so than ever before. A place where no one is judged at that door. A place people feel safe and get fed.

"3Food4U is helping to protect the environment by feeding the community.

"Many said this couldn’t happen. But thanks to the people in this room it has happened. The community of Ongar owes you all a huge debt of honour.

"Thank you

"Thank you

"Thank you

"County Councillor Jaymey McIvor."

This Is Local London: Brentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart sent this congratulatory letter to Pesh KapasiawalaBrentwood and Ongar MP Alex Burghart sent this congratulatory letter to Pesh Kapasiawala (Image: 3Food4U)

The charity has a fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308.

The 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.