Holiday programme providing free activities and meals set to continue thanks to government funding

A programme offering 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 (HAF) programme is set to continue to at least February 2029 thanks to around £4.5 million of government money.

HAF provides free activities and healthy meals for eligible children and young people during the school holidays.

In August 2025, the government confirmed over £600 million of funding for the programme to continue until 2029.

This funding that the city council is getting over the next three financial years will allow further innovation and more long-term partnerships, meaning that disadvantaged families across the city will continue to benefit from free activities and healthy meals in holiday periods.

The council’s HAF programme is currently run in collaboration with the Hubb Foundation – this arrangement will be extended to 31 May 2026 to cover the Easter 2026 programme. A full competitive tender will then be undertaken for arrangements from 1 June 2026 to 28 February 2029.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “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.” 

To learn more about the HAF programme, visit the website: www.stoke.gov.uk/HAF