A programme providing free activities and healthy meals for schoolchildren across the city is set to continue thanks to new government funding.
The city council’s Holiday Activities and Food programme, known as HAF, will now run until at least February 2029 after securing around £4.5 million in government funding.
The HAF programme offers free activities and healthy meals for eligible children and young people during school holidays, helping to support families during periods when children are not in school.
Long-Term Security for Families
In August 2025, the government confirmed more than £600 million of funding nationally to allow the programme to continue until 2029. The funding allocated to the city council over the next three financial years will support further innovation and the development of longer-term partnerships. This means disadvantaged families across the city will continue to benefit from free activities and meals during holiday periods.
Partnership and Delivery
The council’s HAF programme is currently delivered in collaboration with The Hubb Foundation. This arrangement will be extended until 31 May 2026 to cover the Easter 2026 programme. After this point, a full competitive tender process will take place for provision between 1 June 2026 and 28 February 2029.
“The Holiday Activities and Food programme has been integral in ensuring that all children in Stoke-on-Trent have opportunities to have fun and thrive. I’m so pleased that the programme will be continuing in the city, as it will provide more children with chances to enjoy a huge range of activities and experiences with other young people, all whilst receiving a free healthy meal as well.”
— Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Families can find out more about the HAF programme by visiting www.stoke.gov.uk/HAF
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