Funding boost for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme

An announcement has been made confirming government funding for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme for the next three years.

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said:

“We are delighted with today’s announcement confirming government funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme for the next three years.

“Since 2021 the HAF scheme has enabled us to offer fun, educational activities and nutritious meals during school holidays to children eligible for income-related free school meals. These sessions ranging from arts and crafts, baking and dancing to sports and more provide vital support for families, combining food, fun and learning when schools are closed.

“To date we’ve supported over 10,000 young people and partnered with more than 50 local providers to deliver these valuable sessions, and are working hard to ensure that there is suitable provision for all.  

“A detailed breakdown of the funding allocation for Cheshire East will be shared with us in due course, but this continued investment is fantastic news for families who rely on additional support during the school holidays.”