Watch as Liverpool Chef Dave Critchley gives us his take on the “shocking” free school meals parcel

Dave Critchley is Head Chef at Lu Ban Restaurant in Liverpool but also launched a new initiative in the city last year to support vulnerable families with free school meals. 

Teaming up with Knowsley Kitchen he used his LIDS delivery service to provide over 5000 families in Liverpool City Region with nutritious free school meals over October half-term. The initiative continued over Christmas and Dave has plans to expand, and support even more families in our area throughout 2021.

Last night social media was filled with comments after a picture of what the government deemed a substantial school meal delivery appeared. 

Dave says: ” It was shocking, it was shocking to see, but it wasn’t a shock to us”. Watch above for the full chat.

The Government has promised to investigate after the images shared online showed “woefully inadequate” free school meal parcels sent to families.

Children’s Minister Vicky Ford said she would be “urgently” look into the matter after one mother posted an image of a £30 parcel which was estimated to contain just over £5 worth of food.

Sharing the image, Twitter user Roadside Mum said: “2 days jacket potato with beans, 8 single cheese sandwiches, 2 days carrots, 3 days apples, 2 days soreen, 3 days frubes.

“Spare pasta & tomato. Will need mayo for pasta salad.

“Issued instead of £30 vouchers. I could do more with £30 to be honest.”

Footballer and campaigner Marcus Rashford tweeted another picture and wrote: “3 days of food for 1 family… Just not good enough.