Thousands of children benefit from council's free fun and food summer programme in Milton Keynes

The council-funded programme delivered free activity sessions, as well as providing more than 16,000 healthy meals and snacks over the school summer holidays.

This year saw an increase of around 700 children compared to last year’s events.

Indoor and outdoor events were held across the city for families with children who usually receive benefit related free school meals. They were designed to be as inclusive as possible and more than 1,400 children with special educational needs attended.

Working with local organisations such as schools, clubs and charities, the council created 23,000 sessions across July and August, covering sports such as basketball, netball, and football alongside day trips, cookery, crafting and music. This year, new activities including laser tag and engineering workshops were also added to the programme.

Councillor Peter Cannon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It's fantastic to see more children and young people than ever taking part in our Holiday Fun and Food programme. As well as providing healthy meals, the programme gives children the chance to stay active, learn new skills, make friends and enjoy experiences they might not otherwise have access to.”

He added: “I'd like to thank the schools, clubs, charities and community organisations that helped make this another record-breaking year, supporting thousands of families across Milton Keynes during the school holidays.”

The holiday programme is held every summer and details can be found on the MK City Council website.