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Thu, 06 Aug 2026

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 Bid to extend holiday food and activities programme

The authority will consider who should deliver the holiday activity and meal scheme going forward.
The programme, funded by the Department for Education, supports children aged 5-16 who receive benefit-related free school meals. The council awarded a contract to Northamptonshire Sport in 2023 with optional extensions of 12 months each, which have both been used. In 2025, over 2,100 children participated in the programme, a slight decrease from previous years. If approved, the council will tender the contract and expect to award it in November. The scheme's aim is to support vulnerable families and work with local voluntary, community, and sports organisations. The current contract would lapse in March 2027.