Merton Council will be delivering a free fun-filled summer holiday programme for children, as part of a national Government programme to help children from low income families.

The scheme is part of the Government’s expanded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is being delivered across the country in the main school holidays and is for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

The Summer of Food and Fun 2021 will be delivered to schools, community and youth centres across Merton, with free activities and healthy meals available.

The programme includes a host of enjoyable activities such as multi-sports, drama, dance, arts and crafts, storytelling, drumming and more. There are also nutritious meals for Merton primary and secondary school aged children.

To deliver the scheme, the council is working jointly with a range of local schools, voluntary and community organisations and childcare providers across the borough.

Lead Member for Children and Education, Councillor Eleanor Stringer said:

“School holidays can be very challenging for some families on a low income, due to increased costs, especially during these challenging times. Every child deserves a special holiday and the council wants to ensure children in Merton have access to great activities, healthy nutritious food and lots of positive experiences throughout the summer. We have been working closely with several Partners throughout Merton and I would like to thank all of them for contributing and helping us deliver this scheme throughout the borough.”

The council has also organised schools in the borough to provide £80 worth of supermarket vouchers for all children eligible for free school meals, over the summer holiday.

Funded from the government’s COVID Summer grant, the council has helped top up this grant with an additional £75,000, to keep up with the increasing numbers of low income families. To find out more, visit here

For further information about Merton Council’s Fun and Food: free summer holiday club places and all the activities available for children, visit here

For information on the Government’s Holiday activities and food programme 2021 visit here or look out for the hashtag #HAF2021