Support available to help low-income families with meals, childcare and fun stuff this summer
School’s nearly out – but for many families, the long summer holidays can mean stress over food bills and keeping the kids busy. The good news? Across the UK, there’s help on hand.
Here’s a quick round-up of free food and activity schemes for summer 2025.
England – HAF (Holiday Activities and Food Programme)
The government’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) provides healthy meals and fun activities to kids from low income families as well as free childcare places.
- Free holiday clubs for children aged 4–16
- Healthy meals included
- Fun activities like sports, crafts, and trips
- Open to kids who get benefits-related free school meals
- Some councils may offer extra places for those in need
We’ll usually be offered at least 16 days (sixty-four hours) of free sessions over the summer. We can sign up to HAF through our local council. Call or check their website for details.
Scotland – Free School Payments & Local Schemes
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.
Some councils offer holiday childcare and clubs, often with meals include. What’s available varies – check with our local council
Wales – Food and Fun
In Wales, the ‘Food and Fun’ School Holiday Enrichment Programme builds on a pilot run by Cardiff Council since 2015. The programme provides good quality meals, nutrition skills, sports education and enrichment activities to children living in areas of need in Wales.
It’s run in partnership between schools, councils and local health boards – usually in schools where there’s higher need. Places may be limited, so it’s worth checking with our school or local authority early.
Northern Ireland – Food Grants & Community Schemes
Given the absence of a national programme, families in Northern Ireland should check with their local councils, schools, or community organisations to see if any local support or summer schemes are available.
Where to Look and Who to Ask
These summer food and activity programmes are brilliant — but they’re not always easy to find. Because they’re usually run locally and often delivered by different schools, charities or community groups, there’s no single place to look. Some places promote them really clearly and others, not so much.
But here’s how we can track them down:
- Check our local council website – most have a “holiday activities” or “what’s on” section
- Ask at our child’s school – schools usually know what’s running locally and may hand out flyers or send texts and emails
- Sign up to local newsletters – council newsletters or groups like local family hubs, or youth organisations often share booking info
- Look out for flyers or letters – some come by post or in school bags before term ends
- Drop by our community centre or library – they often host or advertise free holiday clubs
- Search Facebook or community noticeboards – many local clubs post updates there
Even if we’re not sure we qualify, it’s worth asking! Some places keep extra spots for those in need. And with the cost of food and childcare rising, these programmes can make a real difference for families.
Image: Shuttercountproduction / Shutterstock
