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

Official government guidance leaves it up to businesses to remain open on the Bank Holiday for the Queen's funeral, but suggests they may want to allow workers to pay tribute

Some food banks have faced backlash for closing on the Queen's funeral public holiday (

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

The Trussell Trust, which runs a nationwide network of food banks, has been forced to defend independent plans by some of its branches to close.

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

Official government guidance leaves it up to businesses to stay open on the day, but suggests they may want to allow workers to pay their respects.

Some food banks said they would close on Monday as a sign of respect, prompting criticism on social media.

Charities pointed out that they were made up of volunteers and that they generally closed on public holidays.

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

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The Stoke-on-Trent Food Bank announced on Tuesday that it will close three distribution centers as the nation marks the day of the Queen's funeral.

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

The Wimbledon branch of the Trussell Trust has meanwhile made a U-turn, after tweeting on Tuesday morning it would be closed to allow its staff and employees to show their respect.

His now-deleted tweet read: 'Our condolences go out to the Royal Family at this sad time.

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

"We normally close on public holidays and as it is now a public holiday, we have decided to allow our staff and workers to show their respect."

The branch has since announced "Due to the overwhelming support we have received, we now have volunteers to run our Monday session as usual...