More Food and Fun schemes than ever will be run across Wales during the summer holidays, giving young people opportunities to socialise and enjoy healthy nutritious meals.

Food and Fun is a school-based programme which is part funded by Welsh Government and co-ordinated by WLGA. The schemes are delivered locally by school staff and partners, providing healthy meals, food and nutrition education and physical activity to children in a fun social environment during the school summer holidays.

Since it was first piloted in 2016, the programme has grown rapidly year-on-year, with 4,200 pupils set to benefit from local schemes in their areas across Wales this summer. This means that 48% more pupils than last year will be benefitting from the opportunities provided by the programme this summer.

Councillor Debbie Wilcox (Newport), WLGA Spokesperson for Education said:

“I’m delighted that local government working in partnership with Welsh Government are able to support families at what can often be a challenging time over the summer holidays.

“The Food and Fun programme is designed to bring positive outcomes for participating young people and their families by providing opportunities to socialise, learn and enjoy delicious nutritious meals. Its extraordinary growth in only three years clearly shows that these schemes are valued locally by communities, and I’m excited to see how this year’s programme will provide the young people taking part with life-enhancing experiences and opportunities.”

Kirsty Williams, Education Minister said:

“Working in partnership with the WLGA, our Food and Fun programme is helping to tackle food poverty, improve our children’s health and well-being, and helping some young people overcome social isolation during the school holidays.

“It’s great to see that more schools than ever across Wales will be running these schemes this year so that even more young people will benefit.”

-ENDS-

Notes for Editors

• For more information about the Food and Fun programme, please visit www.wlga.wales/food-and-fun
• For more information about local schemes, please contact your local authority.