Questions raised over the standard of free school meals food parcels

Questions have been raised over free school meal parcels after pictures chared on social media.

Images of food parcels have been shared many people including politicians have questioned the value and quality of the packages.

Downing Street has said that the contents of some of the free school meal food parcels given to families are “completely unacceptable”, adding the government is urgently looking into the problem.

It comes after images began circulating on social media of a small hamper given to a parent that was supposed to be worth £30 – but was actually worth around £5.

The prime minister’s official spokesman told a Westminster briefing earlier: “We’re aware of those images circulating on social media, and it is clear that the contents of those food parcels are completely unacceptable.

“The Department for Education is looking into this urgently and the Minister for Children, Vicky Ford, is speaking to the company responsible and they will be making it clear that boxes like this should not be given to families.”

The spokesman added that the national free school meal voucher scheme will shortly be reopened.