A Wimbledon food bank has made a U-turn on its decision to close for the Queen's funeral after facing backlash on Twitter.
The food bank, which is part of the Trussell Trust network, originally decided to close for the day of mourning on Monday, September 19 - which has been announced as a bank holiday.
Many Twitter users were outraged by the closure and left comments on the post.
One reply reads: “Are you confirming that a dead body is more important than hungry children?”
Others say: “I would imagine that you, more than almost anyone, understand the necessity of food banks in the current climate? What on EARTH are you doing?”
“Nothing like stopping the most vulnerable from being able to access food on a day when millions in taxpayers' money is being spent.”
However, some Twitter users defended the bank saying: “Before folk start having a go, they should try volunteering down at their local food bank.”
Wimbledon Food Bank said it would typically close on bank holidays as standard, but the Trussell Trust told Twitter users that “the decision to close for the bank holiday is down to each food bank and what is happening in their community. “ However, the food bank later provided an update to explain that it was now going to remain open after an increase in volunteers that were happy to work on the day of the Queen’s funeral.
The updated tweet said: “UPDATE: 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 peoples donations of time, money and food.”
Wimbledon Food Bank wrote in their original statement on Twitter: “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.
“We will however be available for collections on Saturday and Tuesday as usual and will be making all of our clients aware to ensure they are cared for.
“Thank you for all of your concern.”
You can donate food the centre from Monday to Friday at 8am to 5pm at 76 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, SW191LA.
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