James Sunderland welcomes extension of Holiday Activities and Food programme

James Sunderland welcomes the extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme to cover Christmas, Easter and summer in 2021.

I am pleased the Government has not just considered the short term need to Christmas 2020 but has funded a comprehensive package through to Christmas 2021 for the children and families in the most need of support.

James Sunderland MP

James said:

“I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions recognises this has been a challenging time for many and has extended our successful Holiday Activities and Food programme by up to £220 million, we are making sure families get the help they need.

“We will continue to ensure that families, children and vulnerable people are cared for during this difficult time. This will mean all children eligible for Free School Meals will have the option to join a holiday-time programme that provides healthy food and fun activities during the summer, Christmas and Easter holidays.

“We will also boost Healthy Start payments from £3.10 to £4.25 from April 2021 and pledged additional funding of £16m for food distribution charities.”