The programme provides free healthy food and enriching activities to children and young people with a focus on those eligible for free school meals.

Chelsea FC Foundation’s programme consisted of the provision of a healthy snack to all participants on arrival, physical activity for the rest of the morning followed by a nutritious lunch with workshop-based activities from our Health and Wellbeing team and the Met Police, plus stadium tours during the afternoon.

The programme aims to support families who have increased food costs during the school holidays, as well as keeping children physically active and educating them on the importance of good nutrition to ensure healthy development and an ability to fulfil their potential in life. Chelsea FC Foundation hopes to expand this programme during 2023 to ensure more local young people can access such provision to support parents during school holidays.

Senior youth inclusion officer from the Chelsea FC Foundation, George Bournous, welcomed the programme: ‘It’s so great to be able to provide these activities for local young people and their families who need it especially at this time of year. We have seen many new kids that we hope will continue with us within our free Kicks football sessions that take place throughout the year.

Carlos Gneiting, the executive head chef at Levy’s, added: ‘Through Levy’s Cares we are delighted to support this great programme to ensure as many young people as possible have access to good-quality nutritious food.’

Natalie Glasby, programme manager at Let Me Play, underlined the importance of the project: ‘With some families making the choice between food or fuel the running of such local programmes has never been so important.’

Nicky Grewal, the Holiday Fund strategic lead for RBKC and Westminster Council spoke about the impact on the community: ‘School holidays can be a particularly difficult time for some families due to increased food and childcare costs and reduced incomes. It can mean that families struggle to provide food and activities for children. Such programmes ensure children have access to healthy food as well as fun, enriching activities to help keep them active throughout the school holidays.’

To find out more about Chelsea FC Foundation’s Holiday and Food programmes as well as our other free provision, please email [email protected]