Summer of food and fun for Leeds’s young people

The school holidays are well underway, but Leeds City Council is reminding eligible families that there’s still time to sign up to this summer’s Healthy Holidays programme.

The programme is aimed at school children who are eligible for free school meals and provides a fantastic range of clubs, activities and events run by schools, community hubs and voluntary groups. Each group will also be provided with a tasty nutritious meal.

Healthy Holidays is free and has been running in Leeds since 2018, funded by Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds City Council and the Government’s Holiday Activity Food Fund.

It is a citywide collaborative project headed by Leeds City Council, in partnership with Leeds Community Foundation, schools and a variety of community groups and organisations.

Healthy Holidays is taking place in over a hundred locations across the city this summer and activities include sports and swimming, dance, arts and crafts, as well as visits to Leeds City Council’s incredible attractions like Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall.

Specialist provision is also available for children with SEND or additional needs.

Parents who are claiming free school meals for their child can find out more about the Healthy Holidays clubs in their area at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/children-and-families/healthy-holidays

Families that are not claiming Free School Meals and want to find out if they are eligible can visit:  https://www.leeds.gov.uk/schools-and-education/apply-for-free-school-meals

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for economy, culture and education, said:

“We’re proud of how successful Healthy Holidays has been over the past few years. It’s a real city-wide effort and a shining example of the impact great partnership working can have on our communities. The amount and range of provision available this year is fantastic, and I urge any family that is eligible to get involved and watch your children return home each day with a full belly, new friends and lots of happy holiday memories.”

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for communities, said:

“Healthy Holidays plays a vital role in supporting families during the school holidays and the provision on offer is continually growing and improving. There are still spaces left for the summer holidays so please spread the word to eligible families so as many children as possible can take advantage of the fantastic offer.”

Kate Hainsworth, CEO of Leeds Community Foundation said:

“It is testament to the hugely successful collaboration between all partners that has meant we have been able to deliver the Healthy Holidays programme once again this year to thousands of families across Leeds that need support and provide access to a wide range of activities alongside food to help those that need it the most”

ENDS