A FATHER of three from Blackburn has hit out at what he believes are inadequate free school meal parcels.

The man, whose children attend St Francis' Church of England Primary School in Cherry Tree in Blackburn, says that he was shocked to find that what he received was in no way sufficient for three children over a week and that some of the pasta and bread packaging was already ripped when he opened the package.

He believes the school is doing all it can despite the difficult circumstances but that Morrisons, the supermarket chain that produces the free school meal boxes, has failed to live up to its promise.

The father, who does not wish to be named, said: "At the end of the day it's ridiculous, people are suffering with the lockdown but it's clear that Morrisons are not helping as much as they say they are.

"I know a lot of parents who feel the same way but they don't want to embarrass the school.

"But it's not the school's fault, it's Morrisons."

This comes after the government ruled that parents who normally qualify for free school meals be given the option of food parcels or vouchers as the country’s schools close to all but vulnerable children and those of key workers.

The decision came about after a celebrated campaign spearheaded by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford over last year.

However, the scheme has proved controversial with parents around the country in many cases saying that the supplies they have received have not been enough to care for their children and in some cases taking to social media to make their feelings known.

The father from Blackburn believes that the parcels he has received are nowhere near sufficient to last his children for the week and has questioned if the contents are in fact worth the £15 that Morrisons claims.

He is also concerned about the many other parents facing the same predicament.

He said: "I was really upset, I though obviously there's a pandemic going on but it's really disappointing."

Morrisons has been approached for comment.