Central Bedfordshire Council news and press releases

Support for families this Easter

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

We're supporting families of children eligible for free school meals over the upcoming Easter holiday period.

More than 7,000 supermarket vouchers, each worth £30, have been issued to help these families with food costs. The vouchers are being funded by the Household Support Fund, which was introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions in November. The funding has also been used to support a number of partner agencies that support vulnerable households in Central Bedfordshire.

During the Easter holidays, our holiday activities and food (HAF) programme will also return, offering free holiday activities to children entitled to free school meals. The HAF programme is designed for children and young people aged 5 and upwards, so they can get involved in activities including crafts, performing arts, sports, games and holiday clubs.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), we're working with providers across Central Bedfordshire to provide free, fun activities. Those who attend face-to-face activities will receive a free lunch and snacks throughout the day. All activities are inclusive and so are suitable for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Councillor Sue Clark, our Executive Member for Families, Education and Children, said:

We are very glad to have received government funding to allow us to continue to support families in need this Easter. We know that parents and children really value the free activities we offer, and I hope the HAF programme and supermarket vouchers we are offering will help alleviate some of the significant financial pressures faced by some families.

Parents whose children are eligible for the HAF programme should have received an email telling them how to register.

Find out more about the Household Support Fund.