Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, paid tribute to the important work of Wandsworth foodbank in supporting people in crisis throughout the pandemic as they visited the centre.

The royal couple met volunteers, support staff and church leaders from the south London food bank.

Camilla and Charles were shown some of the emergency food parcels that are given out twice a week from its welcome centre at St Mark’s Church, Battersea – one of its seven centres across Wandsworth Borough.

Whilst touring the facility at St Mark’s, the Prince and the Duchess spoke to members of the food bank’s welcome team who meet and greet people who need support.

They also met members of its Foodbank Advice Project who offer practical advice to help people out of crisis, in partnership with Citizens Advice Wandsworth.

Wandsworth Times: Image credit Stephen Lawrence/Trussell TrustImage credit Stephen Lawrence/Trussell Trust

The Royal couple brought several items of food to donate to the food bank and left a signed certificate in recognition of the food bank’s contribution to the local community throughout the pandemic, and beyond.

Wandsworth foodbank manager Dan Frith said: “We are honoured that Their Royal Highnesses came to visit the food bank to learn first-hand about the work that we are doing to support the local community here in Wandsworth.

“They were particularly interested in the range of services we provide and the practical support we offer to help local people in severe hardship out of crisis, so that people have enough income to be able to afford essential costs, like food.

“Our volunteers and team have worked tirelessly to get support to individuals and families throughout the pandemic, and we are pleased that their kindness and commitment to compassion and justice has now received this royal recognition.”

Madini Bell, a volunteer at the food bank, said: “The visit felt like a Christmas treat and was such a special occasion for us all. The royal couple were so lovely to chat to and very interested in learning about the work we do in Wandsworth to support people in crisis. It was nice to have their recognition and the visit has given us all a real boost.”

The Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: “We are grateful to Their Royal Highnesses for recognising the incredible contribution of Wandsworth Foodbank to its local community. This winter, too many families will be facing impossible decisions like whether to switch on their heating or use the oven to cook hot food – but we know that it doesn’t have to be like this.

“Volunteers and staff in each of the food banks in our network work tirelessly to offer support to people facing hardship and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise each and every one of them for their hard work and dedication, as we continue to campaign for a future without the need for food banks.”

Last year, food banks in the Trussell Trust network distributed over 2.5 million emergency food parcels, with almost a million of these provided for children.