The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps people buy milk, fruit and vegetables for their child. To qualify for the scheme, the individual must be at least 10 weeks pregnant or have responsibility for at least one child under the age of four, receive qualifying benefit and have a low income.

The scheme offers:

• £4.25 each week of pregnancy from the 10th week
• £8.50 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
• £4.25 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old

The money will stop when the child is 4 years old or if the parent no longer receives benefits.

If the application is accepted, the individual will receive a prepaid card that is topped up every four weeks. This will replace the paper vouchers previously used for the scheme.

They will be able to purchase healthy food such as:

• Plain liquid cow’s milk
• Fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
• Cow’s milk-based infant formula milk
• Fresh, dried and tinned pulses

Those who are enrolled on the scheme can also collect the following free Healthy Start branded vitamins:

• Multi-vitamins (for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding)
• Vitamin drops for children aged 6 months to 4years old

The prepaid card can be used in any store which displays the Mastercard® acceptance logo.

To apply for the card, visit Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) to start the online application process.

To find out more about Healthy Start, visit the Healthy Start website. Please share!