HAF is an abbreviation for Holiday Activities and Food. The HAF programme was developed in 2021, and at the start of 2022 Central Government assigned a further £200 million plus to its delivery across the next three years.
At the heart of the initiative is working to provide children who are entitled to free school meals with both activities and nutrition that will enrich them during school holidays. These projects must be free at the point of delivery and will ultimately be available in every local authority area in England.
The goals of the HAF programme focus on addressing both healthy eating and social isolation for children from low-income households. As well as providing opportunities for fitness and a better understanding of ways to stay healthy through physical activities.
Each day includes at least one meal as well as a range of sports sessions and activities. Activities will include arts & crafts, dance & performance, tennis, dodgeball, tag rugby, rounders, football, athletics, badminton, non-contact boxing, cricket, hockey, handball, ultimate frisbee and more.