Stoke-on-Trent City Council is investing £300,000 to expand free meals and activities for children and families during school holidays. The funding will be delivered through The Hubb Foundation, the charity operating the city's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, using government-backed Crisis Resilience Fund money.
An initial £50,000 will be spent immediately to enhance this summer's HAF programme, providing additional meals and activities during the school holidays. A further £50,000 will fund weekly community activities from mid-August for children and families who do not currently qualify for HAF support.
The remaining £200,000 will fund activities through to March 2027, ensuring more children can access healthy meals, fun activities and support throughout the school holidays.
Extended Partnership with The Hubb Foundation
The investment builds on a new £4.56 million partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and The Hubb Foundation to continue delivering the Department for Education-funded HAF programme until at least 2028. While HAF funding is primarily available for children eligible for free school meals, the additional council investment extends support to more families across the city.
Why the Investment Matters
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty, governance and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "School holidays should be a time for children to enjoy themselves, stay active and spend time with friends, but we know they can also bring additional financial pressure for many families. This investment means we can build on the excellent work already being delivered through The Hubb Foundation by providing additional meals and activities this summer while extending support to families who are not currently eligible for the Holiday Activities and Food programme."
Adam Yates, Chief Operating Officer at The Hubb Foundation, said the funding injection will make a real difference to children and families across the city. The foundation works with around 250 local organisations to deliver holiday experiences for young people aged five to 16.