Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, joined the Mayor of Epping and local councillors to celebrate the official opening of the new 3Food4U Community Hub in Epping.
3Food4U is a grassroots, volunteer‑led organisation providing food, essentials and community support without the need for referral. Alongside the new Epping site, the charity operates hubs in Loughton, Chigwell and Waltham Abbey, collectively supporting more than 2,000 families every week across Essex and North London. In addition to food and household items, the hubs offer a wide range of activities including exercise classes, social cafés, Memory Cafés, holiday clubs, cooking classes and volunteering opportunities.
The Epping building, previously a second‑hand furniture charity shop, has been transformed into a welcoming community space with dedicated areas for food, clothing and household goods, as well as new freezers to increase capacity. Donations of new items are collected from local partners, and visitors are supported through a fair and dignified system that allows them to select the items they need.
Already, the hub is providing free food support to nearly 50 families each week, alongside a Community Supermarket, charity shop and a growing programme of wellbeing and social activities.
During the visit, Dr Hudson was welcomed by Pesh Kapasiawala, Founder and Chair of Trustees for 3Food4U. After speeches from dignitaries, Dr Hudson cut a celebratory cake to mark the opening.
Pesh Kapasiawala, Founder and Chair of Trustees for 3Food4U, said:
"It was a real privilege to welcome Dr Neil Hudson MP to officially launch our new Epping Community Hub. Neil has been a genuine supporter of our work and understands the vital role charities play in supporting local people.
“His visit meant a great deal to our volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to transform an empty building into a thriving community hub. We are incredibly grateful for his encouragement and look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen our communities and ensure nobody is left behind."
Dr Neil Hudson, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest, said:
“I was honoured to attend the official opening of 3Food4U’s Epping branch. Having visited their hub in Waltham Abbey, I have seen first‑hand the huge impact they have on supporting more vulnerable members of our community.
“This new hub will make a real difference to local families, and I would like to give my sincere thanks to the volunteers and partners whose dedication has brought it to life.”
