Oxfordshire school children to enjoy free meals this summer

The activities are part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is designed for young people in the county.

Open to children aged four to 16 who receive free school meals, the scheme provides up to 16 sessions throughout the summer holidays, each lasting at least four hours.

Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for public health and inequalities, said: “This programme provides free activities and meals for more than 18,000 children and young people in Oxfordshire who are eligible for free school meals.

“It helps support children’s health and wellbeing while reducing holiday hunger and social isolation and is just another example of how we are working to tackle health inequalities across the county.

“By taking part in activities such as these, children can build confidence, try new things, and stay engaged during the holidays, while they can also give families extra support and access to opportunities they might not otherwise have.

“Sign up now.”

Each session includes at least 60 minutes of physical activity, practical advice on eating well, and a healthy meal.

The programme has been introduced in response to the closure of the national Holiday Free School Meal voucher scheme.

Families can find and book activities through the HAF platform, where eligibility is checked automatically against existing records.

Further details about the programme can be obtained by emailing HAF@oxfordshire.gov.uk.