Holiday Activities and Food Programme (2018-2025)
Case reference FOI2026/00320
Received 6 February 2026
Published 2 March 2026
Request
I am a researcher working on a project investigating the impact of school holidays on children’s health and behavioural outcomes. As part of this research, we are seeking information on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to better understand its reach and implementation across local authorities in England. To assist us with this research, please can you provide, at the local authority level and by year, data for the period 2018–2025 (or for as many years within this range as possible) on the following points. Information in the form of an Excel spreadsheet or CSV format would be appreciated, if possible: 1. How much of the allocated HAF funding local authorities have spent each year.
2. The overall number of unique children who participated in the programme in each year.
3. The overall number of unique children in receipt of FSMs who participated in the programme in each year.
4. The number of children with SEND or additional needs who have participated in the programme in each year.
5. The number and proportion of children who are in the primary school age range, the secondary school age range, and any children outside of those age ranges who attended the programme in each year.
6. How the allocated 6 weeks of HAF are divided between the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays in each year.
7. Length of sessions offered in each year.
Response
I am a researcher working on a project investigating the impact of school holidays on children’s health and behavioural outcomes. As part of this research, we are seeking information on the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to better understand its reach and implementation across local authorities in England.
To assist us with this research, please can you provide, at the local authority level and by year, data for the period 2018–2025 (or for as many years within this range as possible) on the following points.
Information in the form of an Excel spreadsheet or CSV format would be appreciated, if possible:
1. How much of the allocated HAF funding local authorities have spent each year.
2. The overall number of unique children who participated in the programme in each year.
3. The overall number of unique children in receipt of FSMs who participated in the programme in each year.
4. The number of children with SEND or additional needs who have participated in the programme in each year.
5. The number and proportion of children who are in the primary school age range, the secondary school age range, and any children outside of those age ranges who attended the programme in each year.
Answer: For answers 1 – 5, please see attached CSV sheet.
6. How the allocated 6 weeks of HAF are divided between the summer, Easter and Christmas holidays in each year.
Answer: 1 week at Easter, 4 weeks during summer and 1 week at Christmas.
7. Length of sessions offered in each year.
Answer: The length of session varies on the activity between 2 hours and 6 hours.
Documents
This is Herefordshire Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.