Local food suppliers are being invited to help support children and young people across the Isle of Wight by joining a directory for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
The scheme, funded by the Department for Education, provides free healthy meals and enriching activities for eligible school-aged children during the Easter, summer and Christmas school holidays.
The Isle of Wight Council is now looking to expand its network of food suppliers to ensure activity organisers can offer nutritious meals alongside holiday activities.
A wide range of organisations already deliver HAF-funded activities across the Island, giving children opportunities to take part in sports, creative workshops and other enrichment programmes during the school breaks.
To support this work, the council is creating a directory of local food suppliers that activity providers can contact directly to arrange meal provision, including delivery and payment arrangements.
The council is particularly keen to hear from suppliers who can provide outside catering in their local area, with hot meal options available during the main holiday periods.
Councillor Andrew Garratt, vice-chair of the council’s children’s services, education and skills committee, said:
“The HAF programme plays an important role in supporting children and families across the Isle of Wight during the school holidays.
“By joining our food supplier directory, local businesses and organisations can help ensure that every child taking part in the programme has access to a healthy meal alongside enjoyable and enriching activities.”
Businesses and organisations interested in becoming a HAF food supplier are invited to contact the council by emailing [email protected] for further information and to register their interest.
