Free Holiday Meals And Activities Programme Extended For Three Years In North Yorkshire

Thousands of lower-income families across North Yorkshire will continue to receive free holiday meals and activities after a new three-year deal was agreed for the FEAST programme.

Thousands of lower-income families across North Yorkshire will continue to receive the vital support they need during school holidays, following the announcement of a three-year extension to a major county-wide initiative.

North Yorkshire Council has officially confirmed that a new deal has been signed with the collaborative organisation North Yorkshire Together to continue delivering the FEAST programme.

The scheme, which is funded by the Department for Education, serves as the Holiday Activities and Food programme for North Yorkshire. It is designed to give children from financially vulnerable households access to free nutritious meals, engaging activities, and the opportunity to learn new skills within a safe and supportive environment during the school breaks.

With the confirmation of continued investment from the Government, and the contract for North Yorkshire Together extended, the FEAST programme will now run until June 2029.

Since the FEAST initiative first began in 2021, more than 200,000 free, healthy meals have been served to children who might otherwise have gone without. Demand for the service has grown significantly over recent years, with the number of available spaces increasing by eighty per cent between 2021 and 2024.

Recent statistics have highlighted the significant impact of the scheme. Data reveals that ninety-eight per cent of children who attended the activities between 2023 and 2025 stated that they would come again.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for corporate services, Heather Phillips, said:

"FEAST has become a lifeline for many families across North Yorkshire and we are delighted to confirm its continuation for another three years.

The statistics shows just how vital this programme is - keeping children active, engaged and well nourished during the school holidays, while offering real value for money for our communities.

This funding extension means thousands more children will continue to benefit, and we are proud to support a scheme that makes such a meaningful difference."

The FEAST holiday programme is open to young people aged between five and sixteen, with free places specifically available for those who receive benefits-related free school meals.

The programme offers a diverse range of activities to keep children entertained and educated. These include sports, outdoor adventures, computer programming, dance, and animal care.

The scale of the operation was demonstrated during the recent Easter holidays, when forty-three different providers offered nearly 10,000 funded places across seventy-five distinct activities throughout North Yorkshire, providing a much-needed lifeline to households across the county.

The delivery of FEAST is co-ordinated by North Yorkshire Together, which is a strategic collaboration between North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth, and Rural Arts. The partnership has recently welcomed a new leader to guide its future direction.

Laura Ward has joined the organisation with more than twenty years of experience working in the social care sector. Her previous roles include leadership positions at Safe and Sound Homes, as well as the City of York Council. She will now lead the strategic direction of North Yorkshire Together.

Laura Ward said:

"It is a privilege to join North Yorkshire Together at such a positive moment, with the partnership trusted to coordinate FEAST for the next three years and continue a programme that is clearly making a real difference to families across the county.

The figures speak powerfully about its impact on the families we support, and I am looking forward to building on that strong foundation with our partners."

Local authorities remain dedicated to the ongoing success of the initiative, ensuring that vulnerable youngsters are not left behind when schools close their doors for the holidays.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, Councillor Janet Sanderson, said:

"Every child deserves access to healthy food and opportunities to learn, play and grow, regardless of their circumstances.

The scheme has proven its value time and again and we are committed to ensuring it continues to support children and young people as well as their families across North Yorkshire for the next three years."

Further details regarding the FEAST holiday programme can be found on the North Yorkshire Together website.