A “vital” scheme providing school holiday activities and healthy meals for children in North Yorkshire is set to continue for at least another year.
Children and young people on benefits-related free school meals will enjoy free holiday activities again this year as the Government extends its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for 2025.
FEAST is the county’s Holiday Activities and Food programme coordinated by North Yorkshire Together, which we commissions through funding from the Department of Education.
Thanks to the latest round of the funding, the scheme will now continue to provide enriching activities and healthy meals throughout the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays this year.
The project provides children and young people with nutritious food and fun and engaging activities, as well as enabling them to make new friends and gain social skills and experience ready for new opportunities.
The announcement is welcome news to families like the Moons, who live in Skipton. For many children, the holidays are a time to unwind, recharge and enjoy new experiences. But for eight-year-old Taylor Moon, who has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), staying active is about more than just fun - it plays a vital role in supporting her mental health and wellbeing.
Taylor, who attends Gargrave Church of England Primary School near Skipton, discovered the FEAST programme through her school newsletter. Thanks to FEAST, Taylor has been able to attend Kanga, a local activity provider offering high-energy sports sessions.
Her mother, Julie Moon, said: “We’re a really active family, but when we can’t get out and about, it has a real knock-on effect on Taylor. At Kanga, she has the chance to move about, her brain can relax and it helps her process her internal feelings.”
Executive member for corporate services, Cllr Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include the authority’s Stronger Communities programme, said: “We are delighted that the Department for Education has extended the Holiday Activities and Food programme for another year. It is truly vital for those who need it most.
“FEAST is an essential resource ensuring that young people in North Yorkshire like Taylor can access enriching activities that support their development, health and happiness.”
As FEAST enters its fifth year, it celebrates children and young people having taken part in over 100,000 free activities. Everyone is welcome to join FEAST, with free places for children and young people who receive benefits-related free school meals.
Julie added: “Kanga in Skipton is perfect for Taylor, as she really loves sport. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the sessions, but thanks to the FEAST vouchers, I can book a place for her during the holidays.”
The strategic director of FEAST, Max May, said: “We believe that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy the holidays, stay active, and connect with others in a safe and supportive environment.
Taylor’s story is just one example of how FEAST is helping young people to thrive—not just during the holidays, but in the long term.”
The HAF programme is available to children aged five to 16 and offers physical activities, arts and crafts, interactive experiences and a nutritious meal for each participant.
Executive member for children and families, Cllr Janet Sanderson, is encouraging eligible families across North Yorkshire to explore the range of activities available through FEAST and to book places once they go live today (Tuesday, 11 March).
She said: “Since its inception, the Holiday Activities and Food programme has a lifeline for families across North Yorkshire, ensuring that children have access to healthy food and engaging activities while also easing financial pressures on parents and carers during the holidays.
“The programme is delivered at more than 50 different locations across the county, making it easily accessible for families and therefore I would encourage everyone who is eligible to make the most of the fun sessions.”