Marcus Rashford fumes as photos of ‘£30 free food parcels’ shared on social media with Manchester United star stepping up fight against poverty

Marcus Rashford has stepped up his challenge against the government as photos of ‘unacceptable’ free food parcels have been shared on social media.

The Manchester United star was awarded an MBE in 2020 for his campaign to get free school meals for hungry kids during holidays and while schools are closed due to COVID-19.

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Rashford has raised more than £20m with FareShare

His work inspired the country and forced a government U-turn, however the fight goes on as families appear to have been sent insufficient meals during the second national lockdown.

With schools closed once again, families are entitled to £30 worth of food vouchers every ten days, although some have been sent food bundles instead.

One mother priced up what she claimed to receive from the government and the contents amounted to £5.22 instead of £30.

Responding to the post, Rashford said: “Where is this being rolled out?

“If families are entitled to £30 worth of food, why is there delivery only equating to just over £5?! 1 child or 3, this what they are receiving? Unacceptable.

“Children deserve better than this.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “The images appearing online of woefully inadequate free school meal parcels are a disgrace.

“Where is the money going? This needs sorting immediately so families don’t go hungry through lockdown.”

Meanwhile, in a statement on Twitter the Department of Education said: “We are looking into this.

“We have clear guidelines and standards for food parcels, which we expect to be followed. Parcels should be nutritious and contain a varied range of food.”