Renewed funding has secured the long-term future of the Holiday Activities and Food programme across Hampshire, ensuring thousands of children and young people will continue to receive support during school holidays.
Hampshire County Council has confirmed it has received £3.6 million as part of a national funding settlement, providing certainty for the programme over the coming years. The investment means children across the county will keep benefiting from free, healthy meals alongside a wide range of enriching activities outside of term time.
The Holiday Activities and Food programme, often known as HAF, is designed to support families during school holidays by offering structured activities and nutritious food in a safe and inclusive environment. The council says the funding will allow its extensive network of trusted providers to continue delivering high-quality sessions in communities across Hampshire.
From 2026 onwards, the County Council has confirmed 77 contracted providers will be involved in delivering the programme. Together, they will offer a broad mix of opportunities for children and young people, including sports, arts and crafts, outdoor and nature-based activities, childcare provision and educational workshops.
Providers taking part include Motiv8 South, Park Community School, St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, The Reptile Academy, alongside many other schools, charities and community organisations. The council says this variety helps ensure activities are accessible, engaging and suitable for children with different interests and needs.
Hampshire County Council says the renewed investment provides stability for families, providers and communities, allowing long-term planning and consistent delivery of the programme. It adds that the continued funding underlines the importance of supporting children’s wellbeing, development and access to healthy food during school holidays, particularly for those who may need it most.
Councillor Roz Chadd, Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, said: “We warmly welcome the Government’s confirmation of long-term funding for the HAF programme. Knowing we have three years of certainty is invaluable for families and providers alike. We are also delighted to receive £3.6 million for Hampshire, which means we can continue delivering high quality food and activities through our extensive network of providers. No child should go hungry or miss out during the holidays, and this funding allows us to maintain and strengthen this vital support.”
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