Local authority reviews delivery model for holiday food and activity programme to ensure continued support for disadvantaged children during school breaks
Executive summary: The local authority announced it will consider who should deliver the holiday activity and meal scheme going forward, initiating a review of the programme's future provider model. The programme provides essential meals and activities to disadvantaged children during school holidays, and any change in delivery could affect access, quality, and continuity of support for thousands of families.
Who is involved: The local authority (unnamed in the excerpt), potential service providers (charities, private companies, or public sector bodies), and the children and families relying on the scheme are the key stakeholders.
Likely next: The authority will evaluate bids or proposals from potential providers, assess cost-effectiveness and service quality, and announce a decision on the future delivery model in the coming weeks or months.
The authority is evaluating options for future provision of the holiday activity and meal scheme, a programme designed to address food insecurity and provide enrichment for children during school holidays. This review comes amid ongoing pressure to maintain public services that support vulnerable populations amid cost-of-living challenges. No decision has been made yet on provider selection or funding levels. The outcome will determine which organisations — potentially charities, private firms, or public bodies — will deliver meals and activities going forward.
Timeline
- — Bid to extend holiday food and activities programme (BBC Business)
Analysis — what this means
Likely next events
- Authority to publish shortlist of potential providers by September 2026
- Public consultation on delivery model to begin in October 2026
- Final decision on provider contract expected by December 2026
- New delivery model to commence in time for Easter 2027 school holidays
Sectors affected
- Child welfare services
- Food charity sector
- Public sector outsourcing
- School holiday programme providers
Regulatory implications
- Procurement must comply with Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (UK)
- Service delivery must meet Department for Education holiday activity and food programme standards
- Safeguarding and food hygiene regulations apply to all providers
Sources
- Bid to extend holiday food and activities programme — BBC Business