Food banks hit by backlash after saying they'll close on day of Queen's funeral

Several food banks have been hit by a backlash after saying they would close for the day of the Queen's funeral.

The Trussell Trust, which runs a nationwide network of food banks, was forced to defend independent plans by some of its branches to shut their doors.

There will be an official bank holiday on Monday for the state funeral to allow Brits to pay their respects to the late monarch.

Official guidance from Government leaves it up to businesses whether they stay open on the day but suggests they may wish to allow workers to pay their respects.

Some of the foodbanks said they would close on Monday as a mark of respect, prompting some criticism on social media.

The charities pointed out they are staffed by volunteers and typically shut over bank holidays.

Some food banks said they would close their doors on Monday (file photo) (PA)

The Stoke-on-Trent food bank announced on Tuesday that it would be closing three distribution centres as the nation marks the day of the Queen's funeral.

Branches in East Elmbridge, East Grinstead, Grantham, Ringwood and South Sefton were among the others to follow suit.

The Trussell Trust's Wimbledon branch has meanwhile made a U-turn, after tweeting on Tuesday morning it would be closed to allow their staff and workers to show their respects.

Its now deleted tweet said: "Our condolences go out to the Royal family at this sad time.

"All food bank hubs will be closed on Monday 19th September due to funeral. We will reopen from Tuesday 20th Sept.

"We do normally close on Bank Holidays and as this is now a bank holiday we have decided to allow our staff and workers the opportunity to show their respects."

The branch has since announced "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."

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, 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."