A NUMBER of Bradford families have hit out at ‘disgraceful’ food parcels handed out in the district, as a full national Government review of the supply chain is under way.
Families across the country have shared images of ‘degrading’ food parcels given to pupils during lockdown.
A number of parents have since contacted Telegraph & Argus with their views on what the picture looks like in Bradford, claiming they have been given inadequate supplies.
One parent, who did not wish to be named, was sent food parcels for her 12-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter on Tuesday, who attend Beckfoot Upper Heaton School and Belle Vue Girls’ Academy.
Their parcels contained several bottles of water, a ready made sandwich, a tin of Spaghetti Hoops, a few pieces of fruit, sachets of mayonnaise to last for seven days.
She said: “This would not last two days.
"You could get to the second day and they would be out of this food.
“They should have sent vouchers instead, so then we can choose what they eat. You can’t get far with two tomatoes and two carrots.
“Bottles of water are not really necessary in there, as we can drink tap water at home.”
Another Bradford parent sent a picture of the food parcel their child received via Keighley St Andrew’s C Of E Primary School to last for seven days.
It featured a few bottles of mineral water, three apples, two oranges and a tin of tuna.
The parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “This is the absolute disgrace of a food parcel given to my four-year-old for 7 days, a £15 voucher would have got me much more. The thing wrapped in tissue paper is two eggs.
“No allergy information and people touching food when we don’t know who’s touched it.... this is beyond a disgrace.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford says he spoke to the Prime Minister about the issues with food hampers and he has been assured that “a full review of the supply chain” is under way.
Rashford - who has been behind a drive to get free school meals to children who need them - had a “good” conversation with Boris Johnson about photos showing poor-quality parcels sent to families.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told MPs that the national voucher scheme for free school meals will relaunch next week.
Belle Vue Girls’ Academy declined to comment when contacted by the T&A, while Beckfoot Upper Heaton and Keighley St Andrew’s C Of E School was unavailable for comment.
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