'They're already ridiculous' - Parents blast warning that school meals could get smaller
18.05.2022 - 19:17
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Parents say the size of school meals is already 'ridiculous' amid warnings they could get smaller.
We reported earlier how one of the UK's biggest food wholesalers said schools were exploring whether they can use cheaper ingredients or make portions smaller altogether due to the cost of living crisis.
With the price of baked goods currently up to 30 per cent more expensive due to rising wheat costs and the price of sunflower oil double what it was a year ago after Russian's invasion of Ukraine, Andrew Selley, chief executive for Bidfood, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that 'the situation is going to lead to some difficult decisions for school caterers'.
“Either they are going to serve smaller portions or use cheaper ingredients, which is not going to be good for children,” he said.
But parents have blasted the warning, saying many school meals are already too small and for some children, it's the only warm meal they get each day.
Commenting on the story on our Manchester Family Facebook page, mums and dads say school meals are already too small.
"School dinners portions are already a ridiculous small size, might as well let the kids starve," said Shalla Sajjad.
"They are already small portions and the price of this keeps going up each year," said Madiya Saleem.
Others agreed, including Emma Kilgour, who added: "They are already small portions and the price of this keeps going up each year."
And Emma Bryer said that even though her children are entitled to free school meals, she sends them with packed lunches as 'they would starve on current portion sizes anyway'.
Phil Oakley said he can do so much more with the £14 a week lunch money by making it himself.
"To be honest since Covid the food options have gone