Issue

Free school meals programme

3 stories · discussed at 2 council meetings · 3 councils

Councils are currently discussing funding for holiday food programmes and improving free school meals provision.

Tower Hamlets' Mayor's Executive Decision Making committee was scheduled to consider grant funding for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme for Summer 2026 in July 2026. This follows Bexley's HAF Programme reporting record participation in Summer 2025, with 11,626 children attending, as reported in March 2026. Separately, Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet approved a Free School Meals Action Plan in November 2025 to enhance its free school meals programme.

The Holiday Activities and Food Programme supports children eligible for benefits-related free school meals, which are provided free of charge to eligible children from low-income families. The Tower Hamlets plan addresses recommendations from a scrutiny report to improve quality, uptake, and overall experience.

Key facts

  1. Bexley's Holiday Activities and Food Programme reported 11,626 children attended in Summer 2025. Source
  2. Bexley's Holiday Activities and Food Programme saw 109% of available places booked in Summer 2025. Source
  3. Tower Hamlets Council Cabinet approved a Free School Meals Action Plan on 26 November 2025. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Holiday Activities and Food Programme sees record numbers Bexley's Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme has seen a significant increase in participation, with record numbers of children attending its enriching activities and... Bexley 26 March 2026
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  3. Tower Hamlets acts to improve free school meals Tower Hamlets is taking decisive action to enhance its free school meals programme, ensuring that every child receives nutritious meals in a positive environment. The initiative... Tower Hamlets 28 November 2025