Manchester United star Marcus Rashford weighs in on Welsh school refusing food to pupils more than 1p in debt

Manchester United and England forward, Marcus Rashford, has responded to the news that a primary school in Wales is refusing to provide food to children who are more than 1p in debt.

Neil Foden, strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle in Penygroes, Gwynedd, adopted the policy because “handful of students” owe the school more than £1,800 in unpaid school meals.

“Has the pandemic not taught us anything? Can we not be understanding? Come on now…,” tweeted 24 year-old Mancunian, Rashford.

“For many children, lunch at school is the only meal they’ll get,” the United striker added.

Mr. Foden’s decision to introduce the policy was overwhelmingly criticised and advised parents in genuine need of help to write to the relevant year head.

“Any parent in genuine financial difficulty should write to their child’s Head of Year in order that we may see how best to assist,” said Mr. Foden.

“We understand that many families have experienced financial difficulty during the pandemic and we are not unsympathetic.

“However, any shortfall in the budget for school meals will have to be made up by the school which could mean fewer books and resources for all pupils because of debts run up by a few,” added Mr. Fodden.

One parent expressed herself on social media describing the policy as “disgraceful” and “dystopian”.

Some people said they sided with Mr. Foden and blamed the need for the policy on the parents who collectively owe the school £1,800.

“The only thing outrageous about this is parents not paying for their kids food,” said the woman.

A man with a child at school tweeted: “Talk about cracking a nut with a sledgehammer.”

Rashford’s decision to voice concerns about the policy is not the first time he was weighed into issue of ensuring vulnerable children and those in most need are never go hungry at school.

Earlier this week Marcus Rashford was presented with an MBE for his services to vulnerable children by Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge in Windsor Castle.