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In a speech at the House of Commons, Williamson said: “We are going to provide extra funding to support schools to provide food parcels or meals to eligible children.

“Where schools cannot offer food parcels or use local solutions, we will ensure a national voucher scheme is in place so every eligible child can access free school meals while their school remains closed.”

In December LACA, the school food people, released a food parcel guidance, which they believe is the best way to guarantee children receive nutritious meals when they are not attending school.

Stephen Forster, chair of LACA, said: “We believe that this guidance provides the best way to ensure that balanced and nutritious food continues to nourish children when they are away from school and that school caterers can be the first point of contact to provide this service.

“We have worked with our partners and associates to offer a two-week food parcel for vulnerable children during the holidays through our existing members’ infrastructure.”

The LACA parcel guidance states:

• There should be a variety of fruit and vegetables
• Some protein foods (such as beans, pulses, fish and eggs)
• Meat- cooked ham or chicken slices
• Some dairy and/or dairy alternatives including milk, cheese and yoghurt
• Food parcels should not contain items restricted under the School Food Standards (crisps/confectionary)