FUEL programme

FUEL is the holiday activity and food programme is funded by Department of Education and aims to provide children who are eligible for benefits related free school meals (FSM) with free access to enriching activities, nutritious meals and healthy eating information during the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.

The HAF programme is delivered in Wiltshire using the brand FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy, Laugher) and the programme is a direct response to the growing issue of holiday hunger.  The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has supported more than 10,000 children, since launching in 2021.

Who is eligible for the FUEL programme?

The FUEL programme a bespoke provision for school aged children from reception to year 11 who receive benefit related free school meals.

Benefits-related free school meals (FSM) are available to pupils if their parents are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits, and have a claim verified by their school or local authority.

Further information on eligibility for Free school meals.

The FUEL programme is also available to children that meet any of the below:

• children that are refugees
• children that are currently in the care system
• young carers
• children that are referred into the programme by a professional service (eg. Local authority, schools, social service).

Summer 2023 success

More than 1,220 young people took part in our FUEL programme over the 2023 summer holidays enjoying a host of activities and around 9,240 nutritious meals.

In total, 16 organisations delivered the summer programme, providing 25 activity camps throughout the county. We partnered d with a range of organisations including activity providers, schools, children's centres and local community partners to deliver a variety of activities including multi-sports, farmyard experiences, gymnastics, outdoor learning, performing arts and photography.

In addition, two FUEL summer camps for young people with additional needs took place at Springfield Community Campus in Corsham and Sarum Academy in Salisbury. The sessions were throughout August including activities such as dodgeball, dance, new age kurling, cricket and boccia.

Food and nutrition providers Occasional Kitchen and Purely Nutrition supported all FUEL activity camps, providing healthy lunches and nutritional education. Participants took part in nutritional workshops, including making healthy pizzas, fruit cheesecakes, bread making and healthy drinks.

Christmas 2023 FUEL programme

The FUEL programme will be delivered again during the Christmas holidays and eligible families will be able to sign up later in the year. Details will be promoted through all schools in Wiltshire in due course.

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact fuelprogramme@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).