Chesterfield parents’ anger over food parcels given to children whilst schools are shut

There has been an outrage on social media as many parents discover that their food parcels contain far less value than the government promised – this is what our readers have experienced.
By Laura Andrew
Published 14th Jan 2021, 12:04 BST
Updated 14th Jan 2021, 12:25 BST
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Families that are eligible for free school meals have the option of food parcels or vouchers while schools are shut due to a third national lockdown in England.But it seems that these food parcels don't quite add up to £30 or 10 days worth of food.We asked our readers what they thought about this news and to share their experiences if it directly effected them.

Reader Pauline McCarthy said: “How disgusting.

"How could anyone send that out a pitiful box of food like that and why are they paying these obviously inferior companies to send food out when vouchers would be better.”

Louisa Bethany Summers received this parcel. She says Chesterfield schools are doing a great job.Louisa Bethany Summers received this parcel. She says Chesterfield schools are doing a great job.
Louisa Bethany Summers received this parcel. She says Chesterfield schools are doing a great job.
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Charlotte Mason agrees she said: “What was received in the pictures I've seen was wholly inadequate and frankly disgusting that they think that can feed anyone for two days, never mind 10.”

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However reader Louisa Bethany Summers disagrees.

She said: “Sadly a few bad experiences has turned into an all bad press.

Samantha Donoghue had this parcel from Bolsover School. She says it's enough to feed her son for 10 days.Samantha Donoghue had this parcel from Bolsover School. She says it's enough to feed her son for 10 days.
Samantha Donoghue had this parcel from Bolsover School. She says it's enough to feed her son for 10 days.

“I have seen from friends who have children at local schools the great effort that has gone into their food parcels and it is no where near as bad as the press has been stating.

“Our local schools are doing a much better job.”

Georgie Griffin said: “My daughters school delivered a parcel, to my door by the head teacher himself, completely unexpected but absolutely grateful.”

Sarah Bradbury feels the same way.

Carol Barnett says that the Deerpark School, Wingerworth did a great job.Carol Barnett says that the Deerpark School, Wingerworth did a great job.
Carol Barnett says that the Deerpark School, Wingerworth did a great job.
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She said: “I feel the schools are doing a great job under the circumstances.

“With portion sizes varying from school to school maybe ask the individual schools why the portion they have given is small. “There may be a reason, they may have tried to support other children who's parents don't qualify for free school meals but find they can't feed their children just as much as others.”

Many parents would prefer a voucher option including Amanda Kozakiewicz.She said: “Vouchers would be great as I have a fussy eater child who is entitled to free school meals“I can fill a whole cupboard just for him on £30 for two weeks the vouchers are a much better scheme.”

Related topics:Chesterfield