Mansfield and Ashfield MPs speak out on school meals row

The move comes following a nationwide outcry on social media after some parents posted images and comments about the poor standard of meals their children had received during the lockdown. Some families have been getting a £15 voucher whilst others have been getting school lunch packs sent out.

Chad readers also took to the Chad Facebook page after an angry mum ‘Roadside Mum’ had posted on Twitter sparking a national debate.

Mansfield MP Ben Bradley said: “The images that were going around social media yesterday were completely unacceptable and it’s not the standard that we’d expect to be sent to children.

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“I’m relieved to hear that Ministers also agreed that the parcels were below standard and are actively resolving the situation. They’ve met with the supplier and immediate action is now being taken to ensure the quality of future parcels is much higher.

“It has been wrongly reported that the food in the picture cost £30, but this is incorrect as it cost £10.50. On Friday, Government increased the amount given to schools from £11.50 to £15 to provide school meals, which takes into account the extra cost of distribution.

“It’s so important that kids receive nutritious free school meals packages, and I’ll continue to ensure that the most vulnerable children are given the right support.”

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MP Lee Anderson who represents Ashfield and Eastwood said: “The tax payer is paying £10.50 for these meals not the £30 as suggested by some media sources. The food package is meant to give one child one meal a day for five days. Schools get £15 a week from Government, the schools then choose the suppliers to provide the food packages.

"The pictures I have seen online are obviously from these suppliers. Government do not choose the suppliers, that said I would challenge any decision maker who is allowing the use of these companies to see if their kids would be OK with the contents of the pictures.

"At a time of national crisis it is disappointing to see these 'food spivs' abusing Government money and I am pleased to see Government is treating this as a priority to ensure our kids get the food we are paying for.”