'Not a single complaint' over free school meals deliveries in South Tyneside - this is how it works here

A national row over the quality of food parcels, sent out instead of food vouchers, was sparked earlier this week after a parent posted a picture of the “inadequate” food parcel she received.

The viral image of the food box contents have also drawn criticism from Premier League footballer, Marcus Rashford, who previously campaigned to expand the state-led provision of free school meals along with other welfare causes.

In light of national concerns over the quality of food parcels during lockdown, South Tyneside Council have stressed that their food parcels contain a “generous, balanced mix” of items to help children “learn effectively.”

A council spokesman said: “We prepare our own food parcels and have delivered around 1,000 parcels to South Tyneside families entitled to free school meals since September.

“We have not had a single complaint. When demand is exceptionally high we outsource to a North East-based food wholesaler.

“Our parcels contain a generous, balanced mix of fruit, vegetables and protein-packed items aimed at boosting children’s concentration levels to help them learn effectively.”

Boris Johnson today condemned some of the free school meal offerings being sent to families as “disgraceful” after images of poor-quality food parcels were widely shared on social media.

The Prime Minister said photos of meals delivered to parents during the latest lockdown were “appalling” and an “insult” to the families who had received them.

His comments came after Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford said he had spoken to the PM about the issues with parcels and he was told that “a full review of the supply chain” was underway.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson warned that companies which supply poor free school meal parcels will be named and shamed if they fail to deliver against food standards.

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Speaking to the Commons Education Select Committee, Mr Williamson said he was “absolutely disgusted” after seeing a picture of a meagre food parcel delivered to a disabled mother-of-two.

Mr Williamson said the national voucher scheme for free school meals will relaunch next week, after education leaders, campaigners and MPs called on the Government to roll out the programme urgently.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked the Prime Minister if he would be happy for his children to be living on such meals to which Mr Johnson told the Commons: “I don’t think anybody in this House is happy with the disgraceful images that we’ve seen of the food parcels that have been offered.

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