Thousands of lower-income families across North Yorkshire have been handed a major boost after a new three-year deal was signed to guarantee free holiday activities and hot meals until June 2029.
North Yorkshire Council has officially extended its contract with North Yorkshire Together to keep delivering the vital FEAST programme (the county’s version of the government-backed Holiday Activities and Food scheme). Funded by the Department for Education, the initiative serves as a frontline lifeline for families eligible for benefits-related free school meals, offering children aged 5 to 16 free access to sports, outdoor adventures, coding workshops, and animal care, alongside a nutritious hot meal.
The funding extension comes on the heels of impressive impact data. Since launching in 2021, FEAST has served more than 200,000 free healthy meals to local children, with demand skyrocketing by 80% between 2021 and 2024. Furthermore, an overwhelming 98% of children who attended sessions between 2023 and 2025 stated they would “come again.” During the recent Easter break alone, 43 different providers stepped up to deliver nearly 10,000 funded places across 75 unique activities.
The extended programme will be spearheaded by Laura Ward, the newly appointed leader of North Yorkshire Together (a collaboration between North Yorkshire Sport, North Yorkshire Youth, and Rural Arts), who brings over two decades of social care and leadership experience to the role.
“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.”
“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.”
