Ministers have given a paltry inflation boost to free school meals for children aged from four to seven - of just 7p.
And school unions are furious at the sum which takes the money allowed for each lunch from £2.34 to £2.41.
If the extra had really been intended to act as a buffer against inflation of 10% predicted to go higher it should have been at least 23p.
James Bowan of the National Association of Head Teachers said: “An extra 7p per day is simply not enough to cover the increased costs schools are facing.
“Funding is inadequate and schools and caterers have been finding it increasingly difficult to provide healthy, balanced meals.”
And Avril Chambers of the GMB union representing 100,000 school staff added: “Ten years under the Conservatives has seen education funding stripped to the bone.
“It’s a national disgrace we are letting down pupils. A 7p increase in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for a generation isn’t going to change that.”
Labour ’s Rosena Allin-Khan tackled ministers over the tiny rise after complaints from her Tooting, London constituents.
She said: “Schools and councils are under severe pressure to assist families when it should be the Government stepping up.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We know many families are facing rising costs which is why work continues across government to address pressure.”
All 1.25 million children in reception and years 1 and 2 get free lunches.
But critics say funding has been slashed in real terms by £35 million which means schools must find extra from their own budgets leaving less for textbooks and teachers.
Lib Dem education spokeswoman Munira Wilson said: “This Government is short-changing our children.
“Ministers need to provide the extra funding our children desperately need.”
Each child should be able to get a hot, two course meal at their school which includes a meat or vegetarian option, potato, pasta or rice, salad and a dessert.
