Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme Easter 2026
About the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Since 2018, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been supporting children who receive free school meals during the school holidays. After successful pilots between 2018 and 2020, the programme was rolled out nationally in 2021 and is now available in every local authority in England.
We know that school holidays can sometimes be challenging for families. For some children, this can mean missing out on fun experiences and healthy routines. Research shows that children from low-income households are:
Less likely to take part in organised activities
More likely to have ‘unhealthy holidays’ when it comes to nutrition and physical health
More likely to feel socially isolated
The HAF programme was created to help bridge this gap. Free holiday clubs can make a real difference to children and young people, and they work best when they:
Offer exciting, accessible enrichment activities
Provide more than just a meal – creating a full, enjoyable experience
Involve children and parents in preparing food
Build strong local partnerships, especially with voluntary and community organisations
Since 2021, HAF has supported hundreds of thousands of children and their families during Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays.
The Government has invested £220 million to help local authorities deliver free holiday provision, including healthy meals and enriching activities. This means more opportunities for children to learn, play, and thrive during the holidays.
Want to find out more or get involved? Email us at: HAFprogramme@lbbd.gov.uk
About the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme
Since 2018, the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme has been supporting children who receive free school meals during the school holidays. After successful pilots between 2018 and 2020, the programme was rolled out nationally in 2021 and is now available in every local authority in England.
We know that school holidays can sometimes be challenging for families. For some children, this can mean missing out on fun experiences and healthy routines. Research shows that children from low-income households are:
Less likely to take part in organised activities
More likely to have ‘unhealthy holidays’ when it comes to nutrition and physical health
More likely to feel socially isolated
The HAF programme was created to help bridge this gap. Free holiday clubs can make a real difference to children and young people, and they work best when they:
Offer exciting, accessible enrichment activities
Provide more than just a meal – creating a full, enjoyable experience
Involve children and parents in preparing food
Build strong local partnerships, especially with voluntary and community organisations
Since 2021, HAF has supported hundreds of thousands of children and their families during Easter, summer, and Christmas holidays.
The Government has invested £220 million to help local authorities deliver free holiday provision, including healthy meals and enriching activities. This means more opportunities for children to learn, play, and thrive during the holidays.
Want to find out more or get involved? Email us at: HAFprogramme@lbbd.gov.uk
New applicants can apply for one week of provision. Returning providers can apply for up to 4 sites and 4 weeks of delivery.
We invite you to apply to deliver a 4-day holiday programme (new providers) or up to a 16-day holiday programme (existing providers) during the summer holidays.
Your HAF programme must run for a minimum of 4 hours per day, 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday).
Across the following weeks:
Week 1: 28 /07/ 25 to 31/07/25
Week 2: 04/08/25 to 07/08/25
Week 3: 11/08/25 to 14/08/25
Week 4: 18/08/25 to 21/08/25
All providers may submit proposals for up to a maximum of four sites across the borough.
Please complete the link below to outline the details of your summer HAF programme.
Tuesday 2nd of December - Easter Application 2026 - Provider Briefing
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme Easter 2026 is currently at this stage
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme – Provider Invitation
We are inviting new and existing providers to apply to deliver holiday activity programmes across Barking and Dagenham.
We’re looking for organisations that can offer fun, enriching and healthy activities for children and young people, with a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and nutritious meals.
Want to register your interest or receive the application link? Email us at: haf.programme@lbbd.gov.uk
22nd December - Easter 2026 Applications Now Open!
this is an upcoming stage for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme Easter 2026
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for providers to deliver Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes across Barking and Dagenham this Easter!
If you’d like to be part of this fantastic programme and make a real difference, register your interest today.
Want the application link? Email us at: haf.programme@lbbd.gov.uk
Let’s work together to make Easter 2026 amazing for our children and young people!
Important Deadline: Easter 2026 Applications Close Monday 5th January
this is an upcoming stage for Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme Easter 2026
Don’t miss out! Applications to deliver Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes in Barking and Dagenham this Easter will close on Monday 5th January at 5pm.
