Child had cold McDonalds for school lunch

It is heartbreaking to think that some kids aren’t being fed properly

At what point does a parent think it is ok to send a child to school without a decent packed lunch?

The problem has got that bad at Mary Magdalene Catholic Primary School that the head teacher has now BANNED packed lunches.

A ‘school meals only’ will now be enforced at the school in Greenleys, Bucks., from September for all pupils aged four to seven.

Under the government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme, these youngsters qualify for free lunches – regardless of parents’ income.

Headteacher Rosemarie Jones sent a letter home on to explain the new rule to parents, insisting the school is acting in the best interests of its young pupils.

The letter said; “Many children bring unacceptable packed lunches, for example two chocolate bars and a yoghurt or cold chips and sausage or a packet of biscuits and crisps. We’ve even seen children with a cold McDonald’s meal in their lunchbox. How can this be healthy? We have done this for very positive reasons because it is better for the children’s health to have a nutritious meal. And, of course, it is free, saving parents £485 a year. We have a range of hot meals but if children don’t like them they can order a packed lunch through Chartwells. This will be balanced and nutritious and consist of a sandwich or wrap, yoghurt, a piece of fruit and a drink.”

The lunchbox ban only applies to children in reception to Year 2. Children in Years 3 to 6 will be allowed to bring lunches from home as usual.

But astonishingly, the school’s decision has prompted criticism from a couple of parents that the school was taking away their children’s freedom of choice.

One, who did not wish to be named, said: “My child won’t eat anything if they can’t have their packed lunch from home. This rule is unfair.”

What do you think of this rule? I think I would support it if it meant that other children were going to be getting a proper lunch.