Healthy Start Scheme

What is the Healthy Start Scheme?

The Healthy Start scheme is a government-funded program designed to help low-income families access healthy food, milk, and vitamins. Eligible families receive a prepaid Healthy Start card, which can be used to purchase specific nutritious foods and vitamins. This initiative is particularly beneficial for pregnant women and young children, as proper nutrition during these early years plays a critical role in healthy development.

Who is eligible?

You may qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you are at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of 4 and meet any of the following criteria:

• You receive Universal Credit (with an income of £408 or less per month from employment)
• You receive income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• You receive Income Support or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• You receive Child Tax Credit (without Working Tax Credit) and have a household income of £16,190 or less per year
• You are under 18 and pregnant, regardless of income

What can you get with the Healthy Start card?

If you qualify for the scheme, you will receive a Healthy Start prepaid card, which is automatically topped up every four weeks with funds you can use to buy:

• Fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables
• Fresh, dried, or tinned pulses (like lentils, beans, and chickpeas)
• Cow’s milk (plain and unsweetened)
• Infant formula (first-stage milk only)

Additionally, beneficiaries of the scheme are entitled to free Healthy Start vitamins, which include important nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin D. These vitamins are specially formulated to support the health of pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as the growth and development of young children.

How to apply

Applying for the Healthy Start scheme is simple and can be done online through the official NHS website. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be asked to provide some basic details about yourself and your household income. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Healthy Start card in the post, and it will be topped up automatically every four weeks.

The importance of good nutrition for parents and babies

Proper nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is essential for a child’s growth, cognitive development, and overall health. By ensuring access to healthy foods, the Healthy Start scheme plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of nutritional deficiencies and promoting long-term wellbeing. For parents, having the right support to make healthy choices can relieve financial stress and enable them to provide the best start for their child.

Final thoughts

The Healthy Start scheme is a valuable resource for parents who need support in providing nutritious food for their young children. If you think you might be eligible, taking advantage of this initiative can help you ensure a healthy future for your family. For more information or to apply, visit the NHS Healthy Start website today.

‍