Food Foundation calls for transparency in Free School Meals parcels

“As families and children up and down the country face unprecedented levels of pressure during lockdown, it is critically important that children are able to eat well so they can learn from home. It has never been more vital to ensure that the food being provided is sufficient and nutritious.

Caterers must do everything they can to ensure guidance on delivering Free School Meal parcels, as outlined in the National Food Strategy, is being followed.

We recommend that caterers publish specifications of food parcel content, so that parents and guardians know what to expect and to allow for transparency on what is being distributed.

And let us not forget the thousands of children living in poverty who are not receiving parcels at all due to their families falling outside of eligibility criteria.”

Anna Taylor OBE, Executive Director, The Food Foundation