Wiltshire summer holidays FUEL programme a success
The programme almost didn't go ahead this year
A summer holiday programme that was put in jeopardy earlier this year has been declared a success by Wiltshire Council.
The FUEL (Food, Unity, Energy and Laughter) programme is funded by the department of Education and provides eligible children with free meals and access to activities during the holiday period.
The programme was thrown into doubt in May when the Council’s provider partner, Learn By Design, announced it was ceasing trading. Following an appeal by the Council for new organisations to help out, the programme was able to take place.
It meant 1,220 young people were able to take part, with over 9,000 meals being handed out.
Since starting in 2021, the programme has supported more than 10,000 children.
16 organisations helped deliver 25 activity camps across the county, including Occasional Kitchen and Purely Nutrition who helped provide healthy lunches and nutritional education.
Participants were able to take part in workshops about nutrition, which included making healthy pizzas and drinks and baking bread.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills said: “If no summer programme had taken place it would have put some families in difficulty during the six-week holiday so we thank our partners for stepping up at short notice and putting on some great activities.”
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Public Health said: “We want to give children the best start in life and to help keep them safe, healthy and active, and FUEL is a fantastic programme for them and their families.
“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting sessions this summer and we look forward to the programme continuing again later this year, once again providing a range of fun activities.”
The programme will be delivered again during the Christmas holidays.