Torbay families are being encouraged to book free holiday activities and meals for their children as the Healthy Holidays programme opens for the upcoming school breaks.
The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme, known locally as Healthy Holidays, offers free physical activities and healthy meals for children aged 4 to 16 who receive benefits related free school meals. Sessions run for at least four hours per day during Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays, including sports activities, arts and crafts, and a hot meal.
With 27 percent of children in Torbay now entitled to free school meals – around 5,362 pupils – the programme has become an important support for families during school breaks. Torbay has distinguished itself as a trailblazer by introducing automatic enrolment for free school meals, meaning eligible families no longer need to apply separately.
The scheme has been secured long-term after the UK government committed £600 million to extend the programme until 2029. Several local providers deliver the sessions across Torbay, including Argyle Community Trust, which runs sports-focused activities as part of its Fit and Fed programme. Other providers include Play Torbay, Kinetic Sports Group Torbay, and Love Sports Project.
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents and carers are urged to book early via Torbay Council’s Healthy Holidays page.
From September 2026, all children in families receiving Universal Credit will automatically qualify for free school meals, regardless of household income. Current income restrictions and FSM protections will end at that point.
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