The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme will return this summer, offering funded holiday scheme places and nutritious meals for eligible school‑aged children across Cambridgeshire from 21 July to 28 August. The scheme will be open for applications from Monday 8 June.
Coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE), HAF provides primary and secondary aged children with access to healthy food, fun activities and enriching experiences throughout the school holidays. Government funding for the programme is confirmed until December 2028.
Eligibility vouchers will be emailed or sent by text to all families in receipt of benefits‑related free school meals on 8 June, providing 64 hours of free access to a local HAF‑registered scheme during the summer period.
More than 130 schemes are expected to run across the county, offering over 2,500 places for children. Activities will range from sports, outdoor adventure and play‑based schemes to drama, technology, creative arts and youth‑focused programmes.
As part of the summer programme, eligible children will benefit from:
- A wide choice of schemes tailored to different interests and age groups
- Fun, enriching experiences designed to support skill‑building and boost confidence
- At least one nutritious meal each day, along with healthy snacks
- Daily physical activity through active play and sports
- A safe, supportive environment delivered by approved local providers.
Cllr Edna Murphy, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “The HAF programme continues to provide vital support for families across Cambridgeshire, ensuring that children can enjoy healthy meals, stay active and take part in confidence‑boosting activities throughout the summer holidays.
“We know how important this programme is for children who need it most, and we are proud to help deliver such a valuable offer.
“Our commitment remains clear – every child deserves the chance to thrive, learn and enjoy positive experiences during the school break, and this scheme directly supports the council’s vision of a healthy and fair Cambridgeshire. It also plays an important role in helping us achieve one of our core ambitions - ensuring the best start in life for children and young people.”
Parents and carers can find more information about the programme, including how to use their voucher and details of local schemes, on the council’s website: Cambridgeshire Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme | Cambridgeshire County Council
