Marcus Rashford slams school for saying pupils in debt won’t be fed at lunch

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a letter to parents from Neil Foden, the strategic head of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, in Penygroes, Gwynedd, parents were told the school cook had been instructed “not give food to any child from 22 November” if they still had a debt to the school. “The cook has been instructed not to give food to any child from November 22nd if the debt has not been cleared, or, in the future, to children whose accounts do not have enough money to pay for lunch.” After the letter from Mr Foden was shared online, Manchester United footballer Rashford took to Twitter to share his disdain for the school’s decision. For many children, lunch at school is the only meal they’ll get.” In an interview with the BBC, Mr Foden said that around 70 pupils owed money to the school - with nine parents owing more than £50 and a further three more than £100. “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.” Gwynedd Council has been approached for comment but told the BBC that anyone “having difficulty” paying for school meals should get in touch.