Hampshire County Council: £3.6m for holiday activities

Hampshire County Council has allocated the funding for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) for the 2027–28 financial year, supporting school-aged children from low-income households during the Easter, summer, winter and February half-term breaks.

Hampshire County Council has approved more than £3.6m for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF). (Image: Hampshire County Council)

Cllr Roz Chadd, executive lead member for children’s services, said: "The school holidays should give children the chance to enjoy new experiences, stay active and spend time with others.

"By continuing this government-funded programme, we can provide nutritious food and enriching activities for eligible children, while offering valuable support to families and communities across Hampshire."

Funded by the UK Government, the programme is designed for children meeting income and benefit-related criteria, including those eligible for targeted free school meals.

Following revised rules introduced earlier this year, the programme is available to children eligible for “targeted free school meals” - a new category that applies to families in receipt of free school meals and whose household income is less than £7,400 per year.

The sessions, delivered by various providers, offer a mix of sports, arts and outdoor activities, along with a hot, balanced meal.

Funding will be distributed across Hampshire’s districts based on the number of eligible children in each area.

The programme also supports children with special educational needs or disabilities, and those living in rural areas.