As a member of the HAF Alliance, StreetGames is proud to support Feeding Britain’s petition calling on the UK Government to protect access to the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Why this matters
The HAF programme is a lifeline for families on low incomes, providing nutritious meals, enriching activities and safe, supportive spaces for children and young people during the school holidays. For many, it also offers essential free childcare.
Crucially, eligibility for HAF has always been linked to income-based Free School Meals (FSM), ensuring support reaches those who need it most.
From September, however, more than 500,000 additional children and young people are expected to become eligible for FSM — but under current plans, they will not automatically qualify for HAF.
This creates an unfair gap, where children recognised as needing support during term time could miss out on vital provision during the holidays.
The impact of HAF
StreetGames partners see first-hand the difference HAF makes. Through sport, physical activity and youth work, the programme helps to:
- Tackle holiday hunger
- Support physical and mental wellbeing
- Build confidence and life skills
- Create safe spaces in underserved communities
- Support families facing financial pressures
Removing access for hundreds of thousands of children risks deepening inequalities and undoing vital progress.
Sign the petition
StreetGames is backing Feeding Britain’s petition, alongside partners in the HAF Alliance, to ensure the Government maintains the link between Free School Meals and HAF eligibility.
We’re calling on our network and the wider public to take action so no child misses out on the support they need during the holidays.