MPs have reacted with fury this morning as pictures of paltry free school meals surfaced on social media.
Chartwells, part of Compass Group, were given the contract to supply emergency packages to families who would usually rely on free school meals as children were forced to learn from home.
The group’s former chairman, Paul Walsh, was once a member of David Cameron’s business advisory group and a Conservative Party donor.
It raises questions once again over cronyism within the party which has blighted their pandemic response.
But as Ian Lavery, the MP for Wansbeck, says, this one “really takes the biscuit”.
He joined a number of high profile MPs who have hit out at the measly food packages being given to parents which are supposed to be £30 in value.
Claudia Webbe, the MP for Leicester East, said “is nothing spared from their greed? Not even child hunger?”, while Richard Burgon said “hunger is being used as a financial opportunity”.
Elsewhere prominent food critic Jay Rayner pointed to Chartwell’s profile statement which reads: “Nourishing young bodies and minds with exceptional food and learning.”
Judging by today’s picture that seems to be far from the truth.
Related: Starmer channels inner Attlee as he sets sights on post-WWII recovery
