Glasgow’s Holiday Programme stands out as one of the city’s most forward-thinking initiatives, designed to provide children and young people with nutritional meals and engaging activities during school holidays. Operating across all of Glasgow’s wards, the programme harnesses the efforts of 59 community and third-sector organisations, supported by over £2.2 million in council funding. This initiative has consistently offered a broad range of activities—from arts and crafts to sports, cooking classes, and even unique opportunities like Brazilian martial arts and science lessons—ensuring that the city's youngsters not only stay nourished but also entertained and engaged throughout the summer.

Since its inception eight years ago, the programme has grown substantially. Last summer alone, more than 21,000 children took part, with over 300,000 meals, snacks, and refreshments being served across six weeks. Over the lifespan of the programme, it has reached in excess of 150,000 young people. The current city administration, under SNP leadership since 2017, initiated this programme in recognition of Glasgow's high levels of child poverty—a problem previously overlooked. Rather than stigmatise children and families in need, the council chose to partner with well-established local organisations that already had deep community ties, effectively broadening reach and impact.

The approach taken by Glasgow reflects a recognition that one size does not fit all; thus, the programme offers a wide variety of activities tailored to different communities and needs. Centres like the Pearce Institute in Govan provide dance and circus skills lessons, while the Govan Youth Information Project offers diverse sporting options. The COJAC initiative in Castlemilk caters specifically to children with additional needs, showing the programme’s inclusive design. These local efforts are bolstered by strategic funding and operational support from the council, which also ensures that Financial Inclusion Support Officers are available year-round to provide families with practical advice and help.

The scale and success of Glasgow’s Holiday Programme have drawn national attention, inspiring other local authorities across the UK to roll out similar schemes, in some cases supported by government funding. Glasgow’s leadership in this area is a source of civic pride and is seen as a pioneering example of tackling food insecurity and child poverty in a holistic, community-embedded way.

Notably, the city council has allocated more than £2 million towards continuing this valuable programme through to spring 2025, maintaining its commitment despite broader cost-of-living challenges. The Holiday Programme also complements other funding initiatives managed by the council, such as the £6 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which supports various social inclusion and community empowerment projects across Glasgow, including those addressing food poverty and youth development.

While the Holiday Programme operates alongside other vital charitable efforts in the city—including those led by organisations like Glasgow City Mission, which provides support to homeless and vulnerable families, and LGBT Youth Scotland, which promotes inclusivity and mental well-being among young people—the council’s commitment ensures it remains a flagship policy within the city’s poverty reduction efforts.

However, despite the evident success and positive impact, the current budget shows that only the SNP has pledged continued funding specifically for the Holiday Programme this year, highlighting challenges in securing wider cross-party backing for this vital social support. Nevertheless, the SNP administration has assured Glaswegians that the programme will continue to grow and improve as long as they hold office.

Glasgow’s Holiday Programme exemplifies how thoughtful partnerships, targeted funding, and community engagement can reduce summer hunger and social exclusion among children, offering a model that other cities are now eager to follow.