We have completed our biggest summer yet in support of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), delivering free interactive cooking and nutrition workshops to over 3,700 children and their parents during the holidays.
Delivered as part of our educational Beyond the Chartwells Kitchen programme, the sessions were provided in collaboration with 68 local community centres and charities near our 1,500 partner schools, colleges, and universities across the UK. A record number of children and their families enjoyed learning about the importance of making healthy food choices, including small but powerful changes they can make to their cooking and eating habits.
Across the 115 days of summer HAF activity, children took part in a range of enriching activities organised by the local charities and community groups, including sports, games, and arts and crafts. Key regional partner organisations included Active8 Minds in Chichester, Platform in Glasgow, Live Well North East in Durham, and Torrington Drive Community Association in Liverpool, strengthening connections between families, Chartwells, and local communities.
Our nutritionists delivered interactive workshops based on the Eatwell Guide. Children learned the importance of eating a balanced diet, made fruit kebabs, and enjoyed fruit smoothies.
Nichola McAvoy, Social Value Manager at Chartwells, said: “The HAF programme is a lifeline for many families during the school holidays, and we’re proud to have been part of it for the seventh consecutive year. This summer marked our most significant HAF outreach yet, supporting a total of 3,719 people across the UK with cooking and nutrition workshops. With new data showing that fewer than one in ten 11–18-year-olds eat their five-a-day , it’s more important than ever to provide practical food education that children can take into their everyday lives.
“By working closely with our local charities and community centres, we’re able to extend our support beyond the school gates and outside of term time – bringing engaging activities and lasting knowledge to the communities we serve, helping to inspire healthier eating habits."
We are committed to providing young people with food education both during and outside of term time and have supported HAF projects since 2018. Throughout the academic year of 2024 – 2025, we delivered 145 HAF days and impacted 4,882 people, an increase of 62% and 67% on the previous academic year, respectively.
Gary See, CEO at Torrington Drive Community Association, said: “Chartwells’ HAF sessions at Halewood Leisure Centre were brilliant. The cooking demonstrations and fruit kebab activities brought families together in such a positive way. The children loved it, and the families went away with new ideas and inspiration they could take home.
“This summer we welcomed over 1,000 children and engaged with more than 200 families, and Chartwells’ contribution played a big role in making those experiences special, memorable, and impactful. The difference this makes is truly invaluable. It’s not just about food, it’s about learning, confidence, and shared experiences that stick with people long after the summer ends.