We are delighted to share some fantastic news: the Department for Education has announced that the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which funds FEAST here in North Yorkshire, has been extended for a further three years, running from April 2026 through to March 2029.
This is a huge boost for families across our county. Thousands of children and young people will continue to benefit from free holiday activities and meals each year, supporting their wellbeing, learning, and community connections during school holidays.
Why it matters
Since 2021, FEAST has given over 10,000 children and young people chances to try new things, build friendships and enjoy healthy meals together. This translates to:
- 134,786 places attended at FEAST activities
- 149 different activity providers across the county
- 50,000 healthy meals shared
Parents tell us just how vital FEAST is, as they navigate the challenges of meeting their children’s needs with the rising cost of living.
Debbie Smith, whose daughter comes to FEAST activities, commented:
“FEAST means that I can book my children onto a range of different activities that give them plenty to do in the holidays. It really helps, money-wise.”
For the children and young people who come along, FEAST can help them discover new interests, build confidence and make new friends.
Sebastian, 14, who attends FEAST activities at Inspire Youth explained:
“I get to play with friends, make new friends and try things out – it’s good to have something interesting to do. At home I’d just be gaming.”
Activity providers say it’s helped them connect with families who might not otherwise find their activities. The team at Neurodiverse Community Catterick shared:
“Thanks to FEAST, we now have new members, many of whom want to take part in activities outside of FEAST too. We also have parents wanting to take part in volunteering to support us further. Some said our FEAST activities have been a lifeline for them.”
Looking ahead
Extending the national programme that funds FEAST to 2029 is a welcome move that will enable longer-term planning with activity providers, schools, community groups and other key partners. Marie– Ann Jackson, North Yorkshire Council comments:
“We know school holidays can be a pressure point for families, particularly with the rising cost of living. FEAST has become an essential part of how we support these families in North Yorkshire. This funding being secured until 2029 means we can continue to work with partners right across the county, ensuring that every community benefits from this much-valued programme.”
Max May, Strategic Director of North Yorkshire Together added:
“The Department for Education extending the Holiday Activities and Food programme until 2029 is a hugely positive step for children and young people in North Yorkshire. Every holiday we see how much it matters for young people to have safe spaces where they can try new things, eat well, and build friendships. This commitment helps ensure every child has the chance to thrive during the school holidays.”
At North Yorkshire Together, we are proud to coordinate FEAST on behalf of North Yorkshire Council, and we are already working closely with the Council to make sure the programme can continue seamlessly into this new funding period.
Over the coming months, the Department for Education will confirm the level of funding that will be available to North Yorkshire, alongside any national updates to how programmes should be delivered. Once these details are clear, North Yorkshire Council will begin the usual process of putting a new contract in place to deliver the programme from April 2026 onwards.
In the meantime, our focus remains firmly on delivering the best possible FEAST programme for Christmas 2025 , making sure every eligible child has the chance to join in, have fun, and enjoy healthy meals during the holidays.
North Yorkshire Together will continue to share details of upcoming holiday activities on our website and social media. For more information about FEAST, go to our activities page, or learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions.