East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) grant scheme is now open to support providers to deliver fun activities for children and young people aged 5-16 years who are in receipt of benefits related free school meals in the Easter holidays.
There’s up to £5,000 available for organisations to provide activities including sport, play, drama, cooking, crafts, dance, music, healthy lifestyles, art or outdoor adventures.
Funding can be spent on management and delivery staff, venues, equipment, volunteer expenses, food, marketing, trips, capital resources.
HAF monies can fully fund programmes solely for eligible children and young people who go to school in the East Riding or part-funded free school meal places on sessions for everyone.
A meal is to be provided each time pupils attend, and all sessions should be four hours long, but recognise that shorter sessions for secondary school-aged pupils may be more beneficial.
Organisations need to adhere to our minimum operating standards which include:
- all staff and volunteers must hold a valid DBS and have undertaken safeguarding training
- a qualified first aider must be present when delivering the programme
- activities and venues are assessed, with measures put in place to manage identified risks
- all staff to adhere to their organisation’s governance (safeguarding, safer recruitment, equality, privacy and health & safety policies)
- holds public and employer’s liability insurance to a sum of 5 million.
Support is available from the HAF team in helping to meet operating standards, completing the grant application form and sourcing food providers.
This year, the council are particularly interested in applications for teen provision and organisations who wish to tour the county delivering sessions in villages as well as towns.
With the rise in the cost of living, HAF enables families to enjoy a healthy meal and enriching activities for free across the East Riding.
Councillor Victoria Aitken, cabinet member for children, families and education at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We’re really pleased to be supporting the Holiday Activities and Food scheme again, as we know school holidays can be a difficult time for many families, financially.
“We hope as many businesses, charities, schools and local groups as possible apply for HAF funding to help children learn about food, have fun, keep active and make lasting memories.”
For an informal chat about grants, email Vicky Jude, the council’s HAF commissioning and quality monitoring officer, at haf.programme@eastriding.gov.uk
To apply for an Easter grant, visit
The deadline for applications is 22 January, 2024.
