The picture of a free school meal parcel circulating on social media was clearly inadequate”, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told the BBC.
“The company’s apologised and rightly so.”
He said everyone is collectively sorting out a problem very rapidly, but that the parcels – which are given to children who qualify for free school meals and are learning remotely – have got to be decent meals.
Speaking to the BBC, a mum who took a picture of one of the food parcels provided for children who are eligible for free school meals and posted it on Twitter said: As I unpacked that food parcel in my living room and looked at the contents it felt very sad and depressing.
This is meant to be a weeks food, why is it so mean?
The mother, who does not want to be identified, had thought it was supposed to last 10 school days and should have been worth £30.
Chartwells, the company that provided the parcel, said it was actually only intended to last one school week and had cost £10.50 for food, packing and distribution.
The firm said it had been required to provide thousands of food parcels “at extremely short notice” – but acknowledged it was insufficient and apologised.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had said thats appalling when he saw the picture of the school meal hamper, according to a Number 10 source.
Children’s minister Vicky Ford said the photos were “completely unacceptable”.
The government will set out further details today on food parcel provision.
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