HAF Meal Delivery on the Wirral

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme is a government-funded initiative in England designed to provide free school meals and engaging activities during Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays. The programme aims to support children from low-income households particularly eligible families, as well as those in need of extra support.

HAF sessions combine healthy and nutritious meals with physical activity, arts, workshops, and education around healthy living creating a safe environment for children to enjoy during school holidays.

Eligibility for HAF Clubs is for school aged children from Reception through Year 11 (ages 4–16). Many local authorities, including Wirral Council, may also extend support to children with special educational needs, those in care, or those considered vulnerable.

Accessing a meal delivery HAF programme that families can rely on is simple. Families can confirm their status through their local school or council, and explore external providers like ICare Cuisine. You may require a HAF code or voucher to secure a free place at your child’s school.

While HAF programmes vary locally, their goal is to encourage children to eat more healthily, be more active and take part in engaging and enriching activities.

Schools obtain Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) funding by applying directly to their local authority (council), which receives funding from the Department for Education (DfE). Schools, along with other childcare providers, must submit proposals demonstrating they can provide healthy food, enriching activities, and nutritional education during Easter, Summer, and Christmas holidays for children eligible for benefits-related free school meals.

• Application Process: Schools must apply through their HAF coordinator. Many councils have a dedicated “providers’ portal” or grant application process.
• Eligibility and Requirements: To receive funding, projects must meet strict criteria, including providing a minimum of 4 hours of activities per day, 4 days per week (typically 16 days in summer and 4 days in spring/winter).
• Funding Amount: Funding is typically around £25 per eligible child, per day, covering staffing, food, and activities.
• What It Covers: The funding supports nutritious meals, physical activities, and educational workshops, often focusing on children aged 5–16.
• Alternative Delivery: If a school does not apply directly, it can work with local councils, community groups, or other providers to host activities on its premises.

We deliver meals to Wirral, including:

• CH25 – Birkenhead
• CH26 – Prenton
• CH27 – Wallasey
• CH28 – Moreton
• CH29 – Hoylake
• CH30 – Upton
• CH31 – Heswell
• CH32 – New Ferry
• CH33 – Nelson
• CH34 – Ellesmere Port
• CH41 – Birkenhead, Claughton, Seacombe, Tranmere, Woodside
• CH42 – Birkenhead, Oxton, Prenton, Rock Ferry
• CH43 – Beechwood, Bidston, Noctorum, Oxton, Prenton

• Schools
  Supporting primary and secondary schools with HAF-funded holiday programmes. We provide nutritious, compliant meals that are easy to serve on-site.
• After-School & Holiday Clubs
  Ideal for wraparound care and holiday clubs needing simple, ready-to-serve meals. We help reduce admin so teams can focus on activities.
• Sports Clubs
  Working with sports camps and activity providers to deliver balanced meals. Helping keep children fuelled and engaged throughout the day.
• Community Centres
  Supporting local HAF initiatives with flexible meal delivery options. Ensuring every child has access to a healthy, reliable meal.
• Charities & Non-Profit Organisations
  Partnering with charities to deliver cost-effective, compliant meal solutions. Helping support vulnerable families during school holidays.

We make it simple for schools, clubs, and HAF providers across the Wirral to organise reliable, nutritious meal delivery for children. Our streamlined process ensures meals arrive on time, meet dietary requirements, and support smooth daily operations.

Order Process

• Place your order via phone or online, depending on your requirements.Choose from a varied menu of hot meals, sandwiches, and balanced options.
• Select delivery dates and quantities based on your programme schedule.
• Notify us of any dietary requirements, allergies, or special meal requests in advance.
• Our team can assist with menu planning to ensure meals are suitable for children.

This flexible ordering system allows both one-off bookings and ongoing programme support.

Delivery Schedules

• Deliveries are available 7 days a week, ideal for holiday clubs and extended programmes
• Meals are delivered within a pre-arranged time window to ensure consistency
• Timings are coordinated with your session schedule (e.g. lunch service at schools or clubs)
• Reliable, on-time delivery supports smooth service during busy HAF periods

• Whether running afterschool clubs, breakfast clubs, holiday programmes, or participating in HAF, schools need a reliable partner to deliver meals in the Wirral area.
• ICare Cuisine ensures all meals are balanced, healthy and nutritious, and child-friendly, meeting school standards with a mix of protein, vegetables, and wholesome carbohydrates.
• Partnering with a professional meal provider reduces staff workload, allowing them to focus on teaching and supporting children rather than meal preparation.

At ICare Cuisine, we also handle dietary requirements, allergies, and religious needs safely and professionally, giving schools and parents peace of mind.

Working with a local provider like ICare Cuisine for meal delivery HAF programmes offers several advantages:

• Meals are delivered directly to schools or clubs on time, ensuring smooth operations during busy periods
• Freshly prepared menus include a variety of hot meals and sandwiches
• Meals are designed to appeal to children while promoting healthy eating habits
• Local providers enable faster communication when needed
• Greater flexibility for changes to menus, delivery times, or special requirements

ICare Cuisine’s meal delivery service supporting HAF programmes benefits schools, staff, and eligible families.

Children benefit from healthy and nutritious meals that support concentration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Staff save valuable time and reduce stress during afterschool clubs and the summer school holidays, while parents gain confidence that their children are eating well.

Our delivery service can accommodate groups of all sizes, offering both hot and chilled meals, with the flexibility to support short-notice orders for schools in throughout Wirral and the surrounding areas.

Providing healthy meals for children doesn’t need to be stressful.

ICare Cuisine offers a trusted, local solution for afterschool clubs, holiday programmes, and HAF sessions, combining convenience, nutrition, and quick delivery. Schools can focus on creating enriching environments, confident that every meal supports the programme aims and meets children’s needs.

Why Choose ICare Cuisine?

• Over 20 years’ experience delivering meals, supporting customers across the UK.
• Wide choice of 200+ meals, including hot meals, frozen options, and sandwiches to suit all tastes
• Children enjoy safe, healthy meals that meet School Food Standards and achieve excellent Food Hygiene ratings.
• Flexible delivery options, including hot meals ready to serve or chilled/frozen meals for later use
• 7-day delivery service, ideal for schools, care settings, and HAF programmes
• Simple and convenient ordering process, with support available when needed
• Helps reduce costs associated with food preparation, staffing, and energy use