Holiday Activities and Food Programme Framework

Reading Borough Council has been awarded £450,000 in Department for Education funding to deliver the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme from April 2026 to March 2029. This programme provides free healthy meals and enriching activities for children and young people aged 5-16 who are eligible for free school meals during school holiday periods. The HAF programme aims to address food insecurity, social isolation, and educational inequalities by offering access to nutritious food, physical activities, and learning opportunities. Key benefits include reaching thousands of disadvantaged children annually with comprehensive support, improving their wellbeing and readiness to learn, enhancing community engagement, and strengthening partnerships between schools, voluntary sector organisations, and community groups. The council is seeking suppliers and partners to help deliver these services effectively and cost-efficiently. Organisations interested in participating should demonstrate experience in youth engagement, food provision, activity delivery, or community partnership working.