Full Breakdown
Birmingham’s Summer Holiday Programme Expands Nutritional and Activity Support for Children
8/19/2026, 10:54:16 PM
Core Event: Delivery of the Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme
StreetGames is running the fifth year of Birmingham’s Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, providing free-of-charge sessions for children aged five to sixteen who qualify for benefits-related free school meals. Each session lasts at least four hours and includes a balanced lunch. The programme operates across roughly 300 sites throughout the city, with an estimated 26,000 children expected to benefit by the end of the summer.
Background & Context
The HAF initiative was introduced to address the “high demand” for structured, nutritious holiday activities in areas with elevated free-school-meal eligibility. StreetGames coordinates with local hubs that tailor activities to community needs, ranging from sports to arts and crafts. The programme’s design reflects a “hands-on” approach to food education, encouraging children to make healthier choices through conversation rather than instruction.
Data & Statistics
- Target age group: 5–16 years.
- Eligibility criterion: Receipt of benefits-related free school meals.
- Geographic focus: Higher session density in Ladywood, Perry Barr, Yardley, and east Birmingham; fewer sessions in Sutton Coldfield, reflecting local demographic patterns.
- Session length: Minimum four hours, inclusive of a lunch provision.
- Projected reach: Approximately 26,000 children across 300 sites by summer’s end.
Official Statements & Responses
Pam, a spokesperson for StreetGames, emphasized the programme’s dual focus on nutrition and social development. She noted that many families face “financial pressures,” making the provision of a varied activity schedule and a balanced meal especially valuable. Pam also highlighted that the benefits extend beyond the holiday period, fostering social connections, self-esteem, and confidence in children who may not have previously accessed such experiences.
Impact on Children and Families
The programme aims to mitigate the risk that children from low-income households miss out on nutritious meals during school holidays. By coupling meals with diverse activities, the initiative seeks to improve dietary habits through informal dialogue and empower children to make healthier food choices. Participants also gain opportunities for social interaction, which can enhance self-confidence and broaden exposure to new skills and interests.
What’s Next
StreetGames plans to continue the HAF programme throughout the current summer, maintaining the schedule of sessions and meals at existing hubs. Ongoing assessment will inform adjustments to session distribution, ensuring alignment with demographic demand across Birmingham’s districts.
