THOUSANDS of vulnerable children are receiving poorer-quality meals as caterers cut food standards to cope with crippling price rises, a survey suggests. 

The poll of school dinner providers shows many are having to resort to cheaper options to fill stomachs, such as processed food, prompting calls for the government to urgently increase funding. 

Food prices have risen by 30 per cent since May 2022, according to the research released today by school caterers’ association Laca.