The Food and Fun school holiday enrichment programme is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Over the last decade, the programme has delivered more than 800,000 places and now operates in all 22 local authorities.
Each summer, the education-based programme runs in schools and provides free healthy meals and enriching activities to children across Wales, helping them stay healthy, active and connected during the school break.
As well as providing two meals a day, the programme also provides activities such as cookery, sport, creative arts and music and supports informal learning to help children stay healthy, active and connected during the summer holidays.
What began as a Cardiff Council pilot has grown into a national initiative, coordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) and funded by the Welsh Government. This year, the scheme ran in all 22 local authorities across 227 schools, with 14,880 places available each day.
To mark the tenth anniversary, the Food and Fun 10-Year Celebratory Awards were held on Thursday 6 November to recognise and acknowledge the individuals, schools, health boards and partnerships that have made the programme such a success.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said:
“Over the last decade tens of thousands of families have been helped by the ‘Food and Fun’ School Holiday Enrichment Programme.
“Supported by Welsh Government funding, the success of the programme is down to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have formed fantastic partnerships with a variety of organisations to deliver a diverse range of opportunities and activities for young people to enjoy, whilst also being provided with nutrition skills and healthy meals.
“I’m pleased to join the celebration awards and pay tribute to the people who have played a positive role in supporting children and families across Wales. Congratulations to all those nominated.”
Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said:
“Food and Fun shows what can be achieved when councils, schools, and partners work together with a shared purpose. For ten years, this programme has supported families, strengthened communities, and given children the chance to enjoy a healthy and happy summer.
“The awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the passion and commitment of everyone involved, from teachers and catering staff to sports coaches and volunteers. Everyone involved helps to make this scheme a highlight of the summer for so many across Wales.”
Winners of the awards were:
Council Co-ordinator – Paul Williams, Neath Port Talbot Youth Service
Co-ordinator award scheme – Sabrina Amor, Herbertt Thompson Primary School
Scheme Staff award - Luke Cross Ysgol Cwm Brombil
Catering award – Sarah Lever and Caroline Clatworthy, Bridgend Catering
Volunteer Award – Harri and Sion Colthard, Ysgol Calon y Cymoedd
Health Board Award – Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Sports Coach Awards – MonLife
Working together award – Neyland Community Primary School
School Impact Award – Gemma Ness Ysgol Awel Y Mor
Outstanding Contribution award - Angharad Williams Ysgol y Gogarth, Chantelle Matthias Howardian Primary School
Children’s Choice award – Justin Johnson Torfaen Play