Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF)

The UK government has announced an investment of over £200 million per year for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) over the next three financial years, starting in April 2025. This funding, provided by the Department for Education (DfE), will support local authorities in coordinating programs that offer healthy food and enriching activities to eligible children during the Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays. Central Bedfordshire Council has been allocated funds to assist over 7,000 children annually who receive free school meals. The HAF program aims to address the challenges faced by families during school holidays, particularly for children from low-income households who may miss out on organized activities, experience unhealthy eating habits, and face social isolation. The program will provide consistent and accessible enrichment activities, including meals and involvement in food preparation, while fostering local partnerships, especially with community organizations. This contract seeks qualified organizations to deliver inclusive multi-sport, creative, and enriching holiday club activities for eligible children and young people in Central Bedfordshire, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Local authorities are expected to provide the equivalent of six weeks of holiday provision as outlined by the DfE.