A number of food banks will close for the Queen’s funeral, on Monday 19 September, after the government announced it would be an official bank holiday.
Some food banks cited a lack of volunteers as reason for the bank holiday closure, while others announced the decision as a mark of respect.
One charity in south London has since reversed its decision since announcing it would close earlier this week.
National charity the Trussell Trust said individual food banks were best placed to decide on whether to close or not.
Closures announced
On Tuesday, Stoke-on-Trent food bank announced that it would be closing three distribution centres, and branches in East Elmbridge, East Grinstead, Grantham, Ringwood and South Sefton followed suit. Southwark foodbank also said it would close as a mark of respect.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon Food Bank has reversed its decision to close after more volunteers offered their time.
It had announced it would be closing “to allow our staff and workers the opportunity to show their respects”, but has since retracted the statement.
The food bank then posted a statement which read: “Due to the overwhelming support we have received we now have volunteers to run our Monday session as usual.”
“As a reminder we are not a government service and run solely on people's donations of time, money and food,” it added.
‘Up to each charity to decide’
Several of the food banks have received a backlash on social media, though the Trussell Trust has said it is up to individual charities to make those decisions.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the charity, said: “Food banks in our network run sessions on different days and at different times.
“Food banks are best placed to make the right decision for their communities and will ensure everyone who needs support can access it as they do with every bank holiday.
“As each food bank is an independent charity, we’d encourage people who need support to contact their local food bank to check their opening hours.”
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