This year the Food and Fun school holiday enrichment programme is
celebrating ten years of supporting tens of thousands of families
during the summer holidays.
To mark the tenth anniversary, the Food and Fun 10-year
celebratory awards were held earlier this month to recognise and
acknowledge the individuals, schools, health boards and
partnerships that have made the programme such a success.
Each summer, the education-based programme runs in schools
and provides free healthy meals and enriching activities to
children across Wales, helping them stay healthy, active and
connected during the school break. Over the last decade, the
programme has delivered more than 800,000 places and now operates
in all 22 local authorities. This summer alone 300 schools
took part in Food and Fun and enjoyed by 15,000 learners.
Food and Fun began as a Cardiff Council pilot and has grown into
a national initiative, coordinated by the Welsh Local Government
Association (WLGA) and funded by the Welsh Government.
Cabinet Secretary for Education, who presented awards to
winners said:
“Over the last decade tens of thousands of families have been
helped by the ‘Food and Fun' programme.
“Supported by Welsh Government funding, the success of the
programme is down to the dedicated staff and volunteers who have
formed fantastic partnerships with a variety of organisations to
deliver a diverse range of opportunities and activities for young
people to enjoy, whilst also being provided with nutrition skills
and healthy meals.
“The value of our investment goes far beyond pounds and pence.
Helping families and learners to enjoy fun activities and learn
about nutrition, engage with friends and have delicious food.
“I am grateful to the WLGA for their continued work in
co-ordinating the programme, and was very pleased join the
celebration awards on the day, and pay tribute to the people who
have played a positive role in supporting children and families
across Wales.
“Congratulations to all those who were nominated and to all the
winners.”
Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for
Education, said:
“Food and Fun shows what can be achieved when councils, schools,
and partners work together with a shared purpose. For ten years,
this programme has supported families, strengthened communities,
and given children the chance to enjoy a healthy and happy
summer.
“The awards are a wonderful way to celebrate the passion and
commitment of everyone involved, from teachers and catering staff
to sports coaches and volunteers. Everyone involved helps to make
this scheme a highlight of the summer for so many across
Wales.”
Notes to editors
Winners of the awards were
- Council Co-ordinator – Paul Neath Port Talbot Youth Service
- Co-ordinator award scheme – Sabrina Amor, Herbert Thompson
Primary School
- Scheme Staff award - Luke Cross Ysgol Cwm Brombil
- Catering award – Sarah Lever and Caroline Clatworthy,
Bridgend Catering
- Volunteer Award – Harri and Sion Colthard, Ysgol Calon y
Cymoedd
- Health Board Award – Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Sports Coach Awards – MonLife
- Working together award – Neyland Community Primary School
- School Impact Award – Gemma Ness Ysgol Awel Y Mor
- Outstanding Contribution award - Angharad Ysgol y Gogarth
- Children's Choice award – Justin Johnson Torfaen Play
