Food insecurity during holiday periods

Holiday activities 2023/24

Holiday periods can present significant issues for some children, young people and families who received free school meals during term time.  Perth & Kinross Council understand that there is often a financial strain on some families that may result in some of our children and young people being unable to access a healthy meal every day.

Perth & Kinross Council are looking for organisations, groups or services that can provide holiday food and childcare or activities for children and families.

Are you planning to run activities for children and young people during holiday periods?

What are our aims?

This fund is for the targeted provision of accessible activities, childcare and food for children 2 - 16 years from low-income families during the school holidays. Activities supported by this funding can be for the child/ren or the whole family. The targeted funding will support the six priority groups highlighted in the Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan.

This was previously known as the food insecurity funding "Fuelled for Fun" that Perth & Kinross Council have been awarding for a number of years to groups and organisations running holiday activities with a healthy meal, in the past many groups have successfully received funding.

Who can apply for a grant?

Any  group  or  organisation can  apply  for  a  grant  if  they meet the eligible  criteria.  All grant applications will be assessed and prioritised by the 'Food Insecurity during Holiday Periods' Group (FIHP) with whole or partial funding being made available to successful applicants.

What is expected from applicants?

To monitor, evaluate and report on the impact of the project.  A copy of  Holiday Food Childcare and Activities Qualitative questions (PDF) [282KB]  is available to support with your evaluation.

All personnel who will be involved in food handling must be appropriately trained and/or supervised to carry out safe food procedures and will operate an appropriate food safety management system. 

All personnel involved in working with children and young people will be required to be in possession of a current and valid PVG certificate. 

Applicants not eligible to be covered by the PKC Public Liability Insurance policy would be required to submit evidence of their own cover. This can be confirmed with FIHP.  Health and safety measures must be considered throughout all aspects of planning and delivery to ensure the safety of all those involved.

How can I apply for a grant?

Holiday food, childcare and activities fund application form

We have reopened applications for the October, Christmas 2023 and Easter 2024 school holidays, and the following In-service days and holidays: Friday 10 November 2023; Wednesday 14 February 2024 and holiday days - Thursday 15 and Friday 16 February 2024.  

Applications for food and activities throughout all school holiday periods should be no more than £15,000, with a minimum of a third of the requested amount to provide a quality nutritional food offering.  If you have already been awarded for Summer 2023 this amount will be taken into account when reviewing the applications.

Please note that one off events, including parties will not be funded.   Please read the  Holiday Food, Childcare and Activities Fund Guidance Notes (PDF) [5MB]  for details on what the fund will support before applying. 

Previous applicants need not reapply.

Should you have any queries, or would like to request that your details be added to our contact lists, please email fihp@pkc.gov.uk.