Mansfield parents vent anger over food parcels given to children

Families that are eligible for free school meals have the option of food parcels or vouchers while schools are shut due to a third national lockdown in England.But it seems that these food parcels don't quite add up to £30 or 10 days worth of food.We asked our readers what they thought about this news and to share their experiences if it directly effected them.

Patsy Evans said: “I think it’s disgusting that families are being disrespected by these poor offerings.“No need to make things harder for them and the company who have put these together need to be held to account.”Stacey King said: “Whether you agree or not with free school meals these companies are being paid £30 to produce a food parcel worth £5 at most.

“It’s not right a private ‘Tory friend’ company should be profiteering that much.”

Nick Martin shared his experience.

He said: “It’s a good job I can afford food because the parcel we got yesterday is an absolute joke.“A loaf of bread, two apples, a cucumber a tin of tuna.”

Tina Freeman Tagg said: “Why can’t school canteens make the hot food up and put into take away cartons for the week then get the families to collect like they did with the hampers or delivered to the ones that they deliver too.”

However some of our readers disagree.

Christina Fisher said: “I'm sure schools are doing the best they can in these unprecedented times.“It's time people stopped moaning and understand the difficulties schools are facing. They are trying their best.”

Vouchers seem to be a popular alternative with our readers.

Tim Clarke said: “The vouchers were a good idea, we could choose the supermarket and get good food at the right prices.“The parcel we got was not fit for purpose, putting it politely.”

June N Maurice Johnson left this thought provoking statement.

“Children belong to us all , they are the adults of the future and they will remember how they get treated as children.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.