Holiday Activities and Free Healthy Meals Continue for Children Across North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that its Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme will continue to support children and young people throughout the 2026 school holidays. The scheme provides free, enriching activities alongside nutritious meals for eligible families, helping ensure that children stay active, engaged and well‑fed outside of term time.

The full announcement can be read on the North Yorkshire Council website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/2026/enriching-holiday-activities-and-healthy-free-meals-continue

What the Programme Offers

The HAF programme delivers a wide range of holiday activities designed to support children’s wellbeing, confidence and social development. These include:

• Sports, games and outdoor activities
• Arts, crafts and creative workshops
• Cooking sessions and food education
• Community events and group activities

Each session includes a healthy, balanced meal, ensuring children have access to nutritious food during school breaks.

Who Can Take Part

The programme is available to:

• Children and young people eligible for benefits‑related free school meals
• Families who may need additional support during holiday periods

North Yorkshire Council continues to work with local schools, community groups and activity providers to ensure the offer is accessible across the county.

Why the Programme Matters

Holiday periods can place additional pressure on families, particularly around childcare, food costs and keeping children engaged. The HAF programme helps to:

• Reduce holiday hunger
• Support physical and mental wellbeing
• Provide safe, supervised activities
• Strengthen community connections

Find Out More

Residents can read the full article and access further details, including how to book activities, at: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/2026/enriching-holiday-activities-and-healthy-free-meals-continue