Twitter: @LisaMarieTanner
Pictures of carrot stubs, halved tomatoes and diced onions have been shared on social media as parents reacted in anger at the free school meal parcels they have been receiving.
Households with children who would normally qualify for free school meals have been given the option of parcels to prepare at home as schools close for remote learning.
But there has been a furious backlash after parents shared photos of the paltry portions sent out.
Several people have shared photos of ration-sized packages with vegetables even chopped down in the provisions.
Child poverty campaigner Marcus Rashford tweeted “just not good enough” as the pictures came to light, while others questioned how Chartwells, who were awarded the contract to distribute food, were allowed to get away with it.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has this morning tweeted: “The images appearing online of woefully inadequate free school meal parcels are a disgrace.
“Where is the money going? This needs sorting immediately so families don’t go hungry through lockdown.”
The Department of Health said it was investigating after images posted on social media showed only a small number of food items sent to families in some council areas.
The Department for Education has said it is investigating images on social media purporting to show ‘free school meals’ sent to families during lockdown.
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