FREE SCHOOL MEALS SCANDAL
Free school meals parcels have been slammed by many after parents shared pictures on social media of food boxes meant to feed children during lockdown.
Families who are eligible for free school meals can choose between food parcels or vouchers while schools are shut during lockdown.
The Government’s Free School Meals allocation to schools is £11.50 per pupil per week but schools can claim an extra £3.50 per week for each eligible pupil receiving lunch parcel provision at home – a total of £15 per child.
There was widespread out rage after one mum posted a picture on Twitter of a parcel said to be from education food service company Chartwells showing what was supposed to be £30 worth of food to last 10 days–but which she estimated to be worth around £5.
Manchester United footballer Marcus Rash ford posteda picture showing‘ woefully inadequate’ supplies received by one family, while our MPs have all spoken on the issue.
PM Boris Johnson said some free school meal packages are“a scandal and a disgrace” but insisted they do not reflect the Government guidance.
So, assuming you’re a family with two kids, how much can you actually get for £30?
We sent reporter Kevin Clark to visit a North East supermarket to see how far that amount could go. Here’s how he got on:
The whole idea was to see
how far we would stretch our money, while still providing decent, nourishing kid-friendly food that could keep children going through the day and help them make the most of their studies.
I prioritised value for money, so we skipped the luxury lines in favour of buying a good range of basics that could be used to provide wholesome and tasty meals. Jaffa Cakes yes (everyone deserves a little treat), Belgian chocolates no.
The aim was to get a mix of
fresh fruit and veg with store cup board essentials that could be used repeatedly in different combinations, such as rice and couscous, and would keep for a good while.
And with parents working from home or supervising lessons,mum and dad’ s time is at a premium too – so convenience was also a major factor.
I think it shows you could get a whole lot more for £30 than these food parcels we’ve seen online contain – ownbrand beans are 25p a tin if bought as a multi pack and you can pickup a kilo of carrots for just 40p as long as you’re not that fussy how they look – so give the wonky vega little love.
The total spend came to £30.05 – including 80p for the four carrier bags needed to carry the haul home.
Kevin bought:
Four packs of instant noodles £1.20; Four tins of chopped tomatoes £1.35;300g of cooked ham £1.20; One pack of Jaffa Cakes 75p; 500g of couscous 70p; 100g of Chedder cheesesticks £1.25; Two tins of chicken soup 90p; Two fresh chicken breasts £1.70; Five ban an as 80p; O net in Three tin s sweet corn £1.30; One white loaf 55p; Four tins baked beans £1; 2kg rice £2.30; 2L diet cola 45p; Six small apples 85p; Pasta bake sauce 75p; Butter £1.50; A jar of pesto 90p ; A jar of sweet and sour sauce 80p; Six yogurts £1; Six eggs 90 p; 500g porridge oats 60p ;Four baking potatoes 45p; Two pints of milk 80p; A multi-pack of crisps 85p; 1L fresh orange juice £1.25; One large cheese and tomato pizza £1.70; 1kg carrots 40p.