Organisations across West Sussex can now apply for funding to provide food and activities for eligible children during the 2026 winter school holidays.
West Sussex County Council opened its latest Holiday Activities and Food programme expression-of-interest process on Monday, 17 August.
The programme funds free holiday provision for children receiving benefit-related free school meals, combining a healthy meal with physical, educational and enriching activities.
The council is seeking proposals from existing providers, organisations interested in expanding their current provision and groups capable of delivering activities in areas where more places are needed.
Winter provision should offer eligible children at least four hours of activities each day for four days. Those days do not have to be consecutive and may be spread across the school holiday.
Face-to-face clubs providing a hot meal remain the council’s priority. Activities should be age-appropriate, include at least 60 minutes of physical activity and help children learn about food and nutrition.
All providers must be registered as food businesses with their local council, including organisations using a third party to supply meals. New providers can initially apply to offer up to ten places per day.
Applications must include an activity proposal, a policies and procedures self-assessment, a funding template, example activity plans and example menus.
Providers will also need to explain how their plans will support children from different backgrounds, including those with additional needs or disabilities, and offer food suitable for different religious requirements.
Expressions of interest close at 15:00 on Sunday, 20 September 2026. Late applications or supporting documents will not be accepted.
Organisations can find the application form and full requirements on the West Sussex Holiday Activities and Food programme page. Questions can be sent to HAF@westsussex.gov.uk.
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