Free school meals, children can participate in summer activities – but there are only a few days left to apply

Young people and children in Leicester receiving free school meals could take part in a summer of free activities including sporting and arts events – but they have just a few days left to apply if they want to have some fun.

The scheme, which closes applications this weekend, is hosted by Leicester City Council. Many activities for children and young people will take place from Monday July 11 and during the summer holidays.

Activities, ranging from sporting events to creative and craft showcases, are all free and will be offered at around 40 venues across the city. However, places are limited and the council today urged people to apply before the deadline on Sunday (June 26).

READ MORE: Wait for new St Margaret’s bus station to be near completion, opening date revealed

The city council’s project is funded by the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) scheme, which covers the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. Worth £1.5million, the funding is part of Number 10’s wider efforts to help children from low-income families get active and eat well during the holidays.

For next month’s summer of fun, it is only open to children and young people who receive free school meals linked to the benefits. Anyone interested in the program has just a few days left to apply, with places being taken on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible families.

Councilor Sarah Russell, the city’s deputy mayor, said: “This year the government has allocated £1.5million to Leicester to provide food and activities for children with free school meals over the Christmas holidays. Easter, summer and Christmas. The funding means we can build on the success of the programs we offered last year and reach even more children this summer.

“There is a wide range of activities on offer at venues around the city, but places are limited, so please register as soon as you can – and certainly before the deadline on Sunday June 26 – if you want your child participates in the program.”

The deadline to apply is this Sunday (June 26). More information can be found on line.