A Wadebridge charity that supports people in crisis has received a prestigious award from King Charles III for service to the community.

Wadebridge Foodbank & Storehouse has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for helping more than 4,700 people each year to survive crises. 

The award, which is the highest accolade given to local voluntary groups in the UK, recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. 

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his wish to continue the award. 

Wadebridge Foodbank Project Manager, Jacqui White MBE said: “I am excited and grateful that our foodbank and its volunteers have received the King's Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award given to volunteer organisations across the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

“I am immensely proud of our team of volunteers who give over 12,000 hours of their time annually. This award is recognition of their hard work, dedication, compassion, and support for those in need within our community.

“The team gives assistance to those facing food insecurity and have made a positive impact providing food, care, and hope, plus help with financial health checks when needed.

“Our volunteers are a real blessing to our foodbanks and play a vital role in building stronger, more compassionate communities.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness. Together, we are making a real difference.”

Representatives from Wadebridge Foodbank & Storehouse will receive the crystal award and certificate from Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho over the next few months. 

Two volunteers from each group will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace next year, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. 

The citation reads: “Wadebridge Foodbank and Storehouse is a highly impactful charity that goes far beyond its original mission of providing food.

“Established in 2009 in response to local deprivation. Wadebridge Foodbank offers a wide range of support services, including household items, training, and administrative help to those in crisis.

“The demand for their services has nearly tripled due to the current economic climate, prompting the successful launch of three volunteer-led satellite outlets in Bodmin, Camelford, and Padstow.

“The food bank operates on principles of compassion, openness, integrity, and kindness, ensuring that everyone who visits feels welcomed and dignified.

“The volunteers' commitment is particularly heart-warming, with many having personal connections to the service. The charity's recent acquisition of its premises has enabled expansion into offering furniture and household items, further aiding those in need and securing the charity's future.

“They also offer cleaning supplies, pet food, and toys. Quiet rooms with computers are available for public use, with volunteers on hand to assist with job searches, CV writing, and more.

“Wadebridge Foodbank’s dedication to helping those in need, their ethos and quality of care, place them among the top food banks in the UK far exceeding their initial remit.”

2024 sees the largest number of awards made to voluntary groups or charities in Cornwall over the last twelve years.

Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall says: “I am delighted and proud to see six of Cornwall’s finest voluntary groups recognised with these awards. 

“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest accolade any voluntary group can receive, given to those local voluntary groups that are truly outstanding, and which break new ground at a local and sometimes national level. 

 “Cornwall’s voluntary sector delivers invaluable support to our communities, selflessly, compassionately and with huge energy, reaching out to everyone in need. These six winners reflect the tremendous range and reach of the sector and this national recognition is hugely well deserved. 

“My congratulations and thanks to our six exceptional winners; I salute you all!”