Queen’s funeral bank holiday closures: Will Birmingham food banks be open and how to support

The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II has prompted the closure of many businesses and organisations, including some food banks.

The Trussell Trust, which operates hundreds of foodbanks across the country including more than half a dozen in Birmingham, has revealed  the best way to find out when your closest food bank is open.

To reach out to your closest food bank to see if they are open on the upcoming bank holiday, visit the official Trussell Trust website.

Some food banks run by the trust have announced they have closed while one, located in South Wimbledon, originally announced it was closed but then reversed the decision and will now open on September 19.

Trussell Trust foodbank closures for Queen’s funeral

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."

How to donate to Quinton & Oldbury Foodbank

The Quinton & Oldbury Foodbank posted on their Twitter feed about what donations they are most in need of from members of the public.

The items include tinned fruit and soup, and the food bank also asked for donations of carrier bags.

Where are the food banks in Birmingham?

Trussell Trust has 10 food banks within six miles of Birmingham City Centre, each offering food and support to those who need it most.

The food banks are listed below, and information on each can be found at the Trussell Trust website. 

• Birmingham Central Food Bank 
• Aston & Nechells Food Bank
• Sparkhill Food Bank 
• Handsworth Birmingham Food Bank 
• Smethwick Food Bank 
• Erdington Food Bank 
• Quinton & Oldbury Food Bank 
• B30 Food Bank 
• Great Barr Food Bank 
• Kingfisher Food Bank 

How do food banks work?

Food banks work on a voucher referral system where you can request a voucher.

Once you have received the voucher, you can then visit a foodbank and exchange the voucher for a minimum of three days of food.

To register for vouchers online, visit the Birmingham City Council website.

Alternatively, you can call up the customer service line on 0121 216 3030 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday.

The council reminds people that they can’t visit a foodbank without a voucher.