Food & Fun 2025 Launches in Caerphilly

Food & Fun 2025 Launches in Caerphilly with Visit from Cabinet Secretary for Education Lynne Neagle MS

The Food and Fun 2025 summer programme officially launched today in Caerphilly, with a special visit from the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle MS. She was joined by Cllr Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities, and Keri Cole, Director of Education at Caerphilly County Borough Council. The launch marks the beginning of another year of impactful holiday provision for children and families across the county borough.

Whilst the Food and Fun programme has been running since 2015 as a pilot project in Cardiff, Caerphilly has been delivering the scheme since 2018. One of the first local schools to join the programme was Pantside Primary, which began delivery in 2019 by offering 40 places to children for 12 days over the summer holidays. This year, the school will once again deliver the programme, offering a minimum of 120 child places per day, reflecting the strong growth and sustained commitment to the programme in the area.

Developed by the WLGA and Public Health Wales, and funded by the Welsh Government, Food and Fun is a school-based summer enrichment programme which seeks to tackle inequities, physical inactivity, and social isolation. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, schools, and local health boards, the programme provides nutritious meals, physical activity, and engaging enrichment sessions in a safe and supportive environment.

Caerphilly’s 2025 operation is one of its largest to date, with 13 schools participating across the borough. In total, the schools will offer a minimum of 640 places per day for pupils aged 5 – 15yrs, including Welsh-medium and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision. As part of the wider community support, families will also be invited to take part in family meal sessions hosted during the life cycle of the programme.

Cllr Carol Andrews commented “Food and Fun continues to make a real difference for families across Caerphilly, It’s fantastic to see the programme grow year on year, providing safe, supportive spaces for children to stay active, eat well and enjoy their summer.” Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle said: “It’s fantastic to see the Food and Fun programme thriving here in Caerphilly, now in its seventh year of making such a meaningful difference to children and families over the summer holidays. The growth of the programme is a testament to the dedication of the local authority and education workforce, and the real need it addresses.”

With over 640 child placements per day now available, the programme continues to support the wellbeing, health, and development of children during the school holidays.

For further information regarding the programme for schools in Caerphilly:

Contact : Bethan Kay KAYB@CAERPHILLY.GOV.UK Or Fiona Santos  SANTOF@CAERPHILLY.GOV.UK