Government programme extended to support low-income families with meals, childcare and fun stuff this summer

The government’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) will continue throughout this summer. The Programme provides healthy meals and fun activities to kids from low income families as well as free childcare places. 

Children aged four and above already receiving benefits related to free school meals (FSM) can access this programme. Feeding Britain says the loss of FSM over the holidays can cost a family an extra £30 – £40 a week. 

Local authorities have also been encouraged to use some of the funding for children not in receipt of free school meals who could also benefit. 

The aim of HAF is to create more equal opportunities for children over the holidays by boosting their nutrition, physical health, and ability to mix with other kids. It will also help take pressure off struggling families over the holidays. 

For summer breaks lasting six calendar weeks, eligible children should be offered a minimum of sixteen days (sixty-four hours) of face-to-face provision. Depending on our local authority, this time may be divided into shorter sessions. For example, six weeks of provision could include food and activities for two to three hours and for three to four days per week. 

We can sign up to HAF through our local council. Call or check their website for details.

In Scotland, families eligible or receiving free school meals should receive automatic payments of £2.50 per day during the holidays. For a household of two children, this could add up to £160 over the six week break. 

In Wales, the ‘Food and Fun’ School Holiday Enrichment Programme builds on a pilot run by Cardiff Council since 2015.

To read more about HAF, click here.

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