Doncaster parents share pictures of their weekly school food parcels -- and others say food is out of date or unsuitable for children

Schools are continuing to provide school meals for those eligible for free school meals during lockdown – but some parents are concerned about the offering as many schools provide food parcels rather than vouchers.

Mum Amy Hinchliffe has children at Longtoft Primary School, Stainforth, and said was not given the option for vouchers.

She received a food parcel from Morrisons. While it contained plenty of food, she said it contained things many children would not eat, including medium strength chicken tikka sauce, and chickpeas.

She said: “It’s things adults would eat – but it is children they want to feed. The only thing mine would eat that came was pasta and beans, and biscuits.

“If we are not having vouchers, perhaps they could allow parents to choose from things their children would eat, like a click and collect?”

She feared food would be wasted.

Her step daughter attended Ash Hill School, Hatfield. She had not picked up her parcel because there was little in it and she felt waiting in a queue to pick food up would be against the spirit of lockdown.

Another Doncaster parent, Donna Marie Barlow, agreed much of the food in her children’s parcel was unsuitable. She said: “The parcels are more catered for adult palates and meals – but very grateful for the help.”

Doncaster mums Katrina Walker and Amy Goddard shared pictures of the food in their parcels. Katrina said: “Anything is better than nothing but it certainly doesn’t add up to a £15 voucher.”

Amy Goddard shared a photo showing a tin of beans, a tin of soup, six bagels, two bananas, two yogurts, two pieces of cheese, and a baked potato. She declined to name the school, adding: “This is meant to last her for a week. The school itself are not happy and the head teacher is looking into it. It's not the school’s fault.”

Some are getting vouchers.

Donna Marie Revell said: “Our school have given vouchers this time through schoolcode. Had a choice where we use them too.”

Sara Jane French praised Trinity Academy. She said: “Well done to Trinity Academy. We got vouchers. Looks like a lot of people aren’t as lucky as us.”

Nicole Anne, told the Free Press her parcel included bread that went out of date on December 3.

Doncaster Central MP Rosie Winterton said: “As Keir Starmer said to Boris Johnson today, the guidance on food parcels is totally inadequate. It should be amended immediately.”

Families Minister Vicky Ford said: “Government will be demanding that all caterers meet the standards set and are delivering high quality lunches they are providing to eligible children – by doing this we will make sure every one of them receives a healthy and nutritious lunch that will give them the fuel they need to focus on learning at home.”

Government will reimburse schools up to £15 a week if they arrange local voucher schemes. They will be able to order from the national voucher scheme from Monday January 18.

School food contracts are carried out by individual schools, Multi Academy Trusts and local authorities with a range of companies.

Doncaster Council was approached for comment.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.