Thousands of lower‑income families will continue to receive the support which they desperately need during school holidays for another three years as new figures have revealed the scheme’s major benefits.
We have announced that a new three‑year deal has been signed with North Yorkshire Together to deliver our vital FEAST programme.
Funded by the Department for Education, FEAST is the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for North Yorkshire, which gives children from financially vulnerable households across the county access to free nutritious meals, fun activities and the chance to learn new skills in a safe and supportive space during the school holidays.
Statistics have shown the scale of FEAST’s impact with 98 per cent of children who attended activities between 2023 and 2025 said they would "come again”.
Since the FEAST programme began in 2021, more than 200,000 free healthy meals have been served to children who might otherwise go without. Demand has grown significantly too, with spaces increasing by 80 per cent between 2021 and 2024.
With the confirmation of continued investment from the Government and the contract for North Yorkshire Together extended, FEAST will now run until June 2029.
Executive member for corporate services, Heather Phillips, whose responsibilities include stronger communities, 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.”
FEAST is co‑ordinated by North Yorkshire Together and the partnership has welcomed a new leader at the helm. Laura Ward joins with more than 20 years of experience in the social care sector, including leadership roles at Safe and Sound Homes (SASH) and City of York Council.
She will lead the strategic direction of North Yorkshire Together, the collaboration between North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth and Rural Arts.
She 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.”
The FEAST holiday programme is open to children aged five to 16, with free places available for those who receive benefits‑related free school meals. It offers a wide range of activities, including sports, outdoor adventures, computer programming, dance and animal care.
During Easter, 43 providers offered nearly 10,000 funded places across 75 different activities in North Yorkshire, giving a lifeline to many households across the county.
Executive member for children and families, Cllr 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.”