Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continued their ongoing commitment to community service during a recent volunteer visit to Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization focused on preparing meals for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. The couple participated in holiday meal preparations alongside their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, offering a rare, publicly shared moment of family volunteerism.
The Archewell Foundation, the nonprofit organization founded by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, released photos from the event, showing the family working with other volunteers in the kitchen, preparing meals, packaging food items, and spending time in a community-focused environment. The appearance aligned with the foundation’s mission to support local initiatives addressing hunger, well-being, and community resilience.
A Glimpse Into the Sussexes’ Community Engagement
The published photos captured Prince Harry and Meghan participating in hands-on meal preparation activities. In one image, the couple stood together while taking a photo with fellow volunteers, reflecting a warm and supportive moment during their service activity. Other images showed them in aprons and gloves as they helped pack meals for distribution across Los Angeles.
These visual updates from the Archewell Foundation offered a verified and transparent look at their involvement. As with previous community events, the couple’s participation emphasized the foundation’s focus on collaborative, community-centered service rather than public appearances or formal events.
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles: A Nonprofit Focused on Community Needs
Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) is a community-run nonprofit known for preparing meals for people facing food insecurity, including low-income individuals, families, seniors, and those who rely on community food support during holidays. The organization partners with volunteers year-round to prepare thousands of meals, especially during seasonal periods when demand increases.
Public information from OBKLA outlines its mission to “cook for kindness” and create a space where volunteers from all backgrounds can work together. Events like the one attended by the Sussexes allow families and individuals to take part in meaningful service while helping support vulnerable communities in Los Angeles County.
A Family-Centered Day of Service
While Prince Harry and Meghan have regularly participated in volunteer work through their foundation, this occasion was notable because it included their two children in the community activity. According to the Archewell Foundation’s publicly shared images, Archie and Lilibet joined in by assisting with simple tasks appropriate for young children, such as helping organize cookies and participating in family-friendly meal-prep activities.
Although the Sussexes maintain their children’s privacy and do not frequently release images of them, the foundation’s update offered a modest glimpse into how the family incorporates service into their daily lives. This aligns with previous statements from the couple expressing the importance of teaching their children about compassion, empathy, and community involvement.
The Sussexes’ Ongoing Community Commitment
Since stepping back from senior royal duties in 2020 and settling in Montecito, California, Prince Harry and Meghan have consistently partnered with local organizations addressing hunger, mental health, youth support, and emergency response. Their Archewell Foundation has collaborated with groups across the United States to provide resources, funding, and hands-on support.
Past initiatives reported and documented by the foundation include:
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Supporting food distribution programs during the pandemic
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Partnering with organizations that focus on mental health resources
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Donating to disaster relief efforts following wildfires and storms
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Highlighting programs that promote youth empowerment and digital well-being
The visit to Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles aligns with these long-term goals and emphasizes their focus on practical, community-based service.
A Focus on Service During the Holiday Season
The timing of the Sussex family’s visit—shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday—underscored the increasing need for meal-support programs during the final months of the year. According to national statistics from organizations such as Feeding America, food insecurity affects millions of Americans, with nonprofit kitchens and volunteer centers playing a vital role in providing resources, especially during the holiday season.
By participating in meal preparation efforts, the Sussexes helped support a larger network of volunteers contributing to essential services at a critical time of the year.
The Broader Mission of the Archewell Foundation
The Archewell Foundation has outlined three pillars in its mission: community, compassion, and digital responsibility. The volunteer activity at OBKLA reflects the first two pillars in particular, emphasizing:
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Community Support: Helping local organizations that address immediate needs
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Compassionate Action: Encouraging shared responsibility and collective service
Their approach is rooted in practical involvement and partnerships with established nonprofits. The foundation’s website regularly provides updates on program collaborations, grant initiatives, and community events.
A Positive Example of Family Engagement in Philanthropy
The volunteer day at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles offered a verifiable example of how the Sussex family incorporates service into their personal and public lives. While the couple maintains a limited public schedule and respects the privacy of their children, the update from the Archewell Foundation highlighted a moment of family-centered contribution that aligns with their broader goals.
As the Sussexes continue to engage in community-driven initiatives, the event also serves as a reminder of the role nonprofit organizations play in addressing local needs and building stronger communities.
Conclusion
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent volunteer visit to Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles reflects their ongoing commitment to community service and their support for organizations addressing food insecurity. The event, documented through verified images released by the Archewell Foundation, highlighted a family-friendly approach to service and provided greater visibility to a nonprofit organization making a meaningful impact in Los Angeles.
Their participation, alongside Archie and Lilibet, offered a positive portrayal of family engagement in charitable work and reinforced the importance of local volunteer efforts, especially during the holiday season. It also showcased the Sussexes’ continued dedication to fostering compassion, contributing to community causes, and supporting organizations that help individuals facing economic challenges.