Holiday activities and food support cuts cost of living pressure – here’s how you can sign up

The government’s holiday activities and food (HAF) programme is helping families across England by easing cost-of-living pressures, supporting working parents and improving children’s health and confidence during the school holidays.

That’s according to the national holiday activities and food parent/carer evaluation survey 2025, led by Northumbria University in collaboration with University of Lincoln.

The survey gathered responses from 20,000 parents and carers across 50 local authorities in England.

Strong support from families

The findings show overwhelming backing for the programme:

• children attended HAF for an average of just over 10 days during the summer holidays
• 92% of families said the programme helped them worry less about money
• 95% said it made it easier to work or manage other responsibilities

Parents also reported clear benefits for their children’s wellbeing and development:

• 95% said their child took part in more physical activity
• 94% said their child tried new activities
• 9 in 10 parents felt their child became more confident
• 88% said their child made new friends in the community

The research also found that 42% of children attending HAF have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), highlighting the programme’s reach among families who may need extra support during school holidays.

What is HAF?

Launched in 2020, the government-funded HAF programme provides primary school children from low-income families with:

• nutritious meals
• enriching activities
• free childcare places

It runs during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. Councils are expected to deliver the equivalent of six weeks of face-to-face activities each year.

What’s on offer?

Activities vary by area, as the programme is delivered by local councils, but they often include:

• sports
• arts and crafts
• cooking and coding
• drama and photography

Children receive a hot, healthy meal each day. Some providers also offer breakfast and dinner.

Who can get a place?

HAF is open to primary school children who receive free school meals during term time.

Councils can also use up to 15% of their funding to support families who are not eligible for free school meals but would still benefit from attending.

How did HAF begin?

In 2020, footballer Marcus Rashford brought national attention to child food poverty.

More than one million people signed his petition urging the government to act. Cross-party support helped secure the creation of the HAF programme.

His campaigning has helped ensure that children across England now have access to safe, supportive holiday spaces, and healthy meals when school is out.

Check your eligibility

If you think your child might qualify, or you simply want to see what’s available, visit your local council’s website to check eligibility and find out how to book a place.