COMMUNITY groups providing school holiday activities are being offered a cash boost of up to £3,000 to provide meals and snacks.

East Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) is offering grants from £250 upwards through its Holiday Provision Fund 2017.

The scheme was set up in response to concerns that some children and young people have less access to food during the school holidays.

Groups that already run activity sessions during the school holidays for the five to 19-year-old age group can apply for cash to provide participants with meals or snacks.

Shealagh Pearce, principal AAP coordinator, said: “School holidays are recognised as a time when children and young people are particularly in need of positive activities and are also at risk of having restricted access to food.

“Our Children and Young People’s Group wants to support initiatives that tackle food poverty and increase access to healthy food.”

To be eligible for funding, activities must take place during the school summer holidays. The deadline for applications is Friday, 30 June. For further information contact East Durham AAP on 03000 262 054 or email eastdurhamaap@durham.gov.uk.