Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) services DPS (SC240025)

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme in Kent focuses on children's physical health and wellbeing by providing healthy food and engaging activities for children and young people during the school holidays.

Families of children aged four to 16 years who are in receipt of benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) can access free opportunities during the Easter, summer and Christmas holiday periods. The programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered in accordance with grant conditions set out in the Memorandum of Understanding agreed with Kent County Council (KCC).

This programme has been established to support families facing increased challenges during school holidays, including higher food and childcare costs and reduced household income. These pressures can make it more difficult for families to provide sufficient food and enrichment activities for children.

The HAF programme provides a range of enriching activities, supports children and young people to remain active, and helps reduce the risk of social isolation during school holidays. Participating families are also supported to develop their understanding of nutrition and food budgeting through access to information, guidance and support.