Harlow MP Robert Halfon has expressed his dismay that hungry children were being ‘ripped off’ after pictures emerged online of inadequate food parcels delivered to schools.
Images showing poor-quality hampers provided by Chartwells were widely shared and condemned on social media after it was estimated the actual value of food provided was closer to £5 than the supposed value of £30.
The Tory MP, who has represented the town since 2010, said he cared “deeply” about ensuring children from disadvantaged backgrounds got free school meals.
“I even voted against my own Government to try and get policy changed on extending free school meals”, he said.
"I was dismayed to read that some companies used by schools to supply food parcels had been, in essence, ripping off schools, families and the taxpayer.
He added: "I want to thank all the teachers and support staff who are doing everything possible not only to keep our children learning, but also fed, whilst schools are closed. These companies that the schools have relationships with should not have let them down in this way.
“In my view, these providers should be named and shamed because there is no excuse for it, given the extra money that the Government has put in to ensure children are properly fed.”
Labour has called for the Government to trust parents and give them cash directly, instead of vouchers.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green called on ministers to come up with a long-term solution after the images showing poor quality food parcels were widely shared on social media.
Home Secretary Priti Patel became the latest Government minister to condemn the “appalling” free school meal hampers delivered to families during school closures amid the latest lockdown, while footballer Marcus Rashford has called for an urgent review of the Government’s free school meals policy.
The Government’s national supermarket voucher scheme for families eligible for free school meals will reopen on Monday.
But Labour is calling for families to receive the money directly, rather than through vouchers or parcels, to ensure parents can choose the food.
They say this would ensure parents receive the full value of their entitlement.
Ms Green said: “Ministers are claiming to be disgusted by the images of woefully inadequate food parcels, while blaming individual companies and proposing no long-term solution.
“The Government should put its trust in parents by giving them the money for free school meals to ensure their children are not going hungry.”
Labour has suggested that families should receive £15 a week for each child eligible for free school meals directly through the benefits system.
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