What would you do?

[Bontiful]

Alarm bells are ringing for me and I need some opinions. Young teen dc has a new school friend. Has mentioned a few times friend not having much money for food etc. I have met mum once in passing, seemed nice enough. My dc seems to share school food at times with the friend. Today my dc gave the friend £20 out of own money. Lied and said it was for sweets also lied about the amount. Then said it was for the friend because they need it, doesn’t know why apparently. What would you do?
Panicking this child is hungry but looks well cared for or are they using the money for other teenage interests, alcohol, vapes etc. My dc said the friends home is a flat which smelt a bit.

Is there a limit on school lunch money? Our school used to only let them spend x amount per day. If not, perhaps put more money on their school account for a little while, a couple of weeks maybe, so that you can monitor the situation and say that if their friend is short of lunch money that they can have a meal on you.

Tell them not to hand over cash.

Tell school.
If the child in genuinely hungry, school can sort free school meals, and signpost the parents to more assistance.

If the kid is basically coercing your child into handing over food and cash, it needs stopping.

Speak to the school