Hampshire County Council has allocated more than £0.5million to support schemes providing food and activities over the Christmas school holiday to children who are eligible for free school meals.
Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller, commented: “I’m glad to see the Council distribute this important funding, which will make a meaningful difference to families who might be struggling over the winter.
This funding comes from the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which was set up so local authorities could offer healthy food and enriching activities to children who are eligible for free school meals during the 2021 school holidays at Easter, Summer and Christmas.
We know the Christmas period can be an especially challenging time, with additional financial pressures. It is therefore reassuring that HAF providers not only feed children participating in their activities but also help them and their families to develop an understanding of nutrition and food budgeting.”
The Council approved 113 separate grant awards, totalling £541,860, as part of their Connect 4 Communities programme. Further information can be found on the Council website:
https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/childrenandfamilies/connectforcommunities/