NHS Healthy Start Scheme Supports Low-Income Families

Assistance for Pregnant Women and Families with Young Children

The NHS Healthy Start scheme offers financial support to families on low incomes to help them purchase healthy food and milk. The scheme is available to those who are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under the age of four.

How the Scheme Works

Eligible families receive a prepaid card that can be used to buy specific items including:

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Pulses
• Milk
• Infant formula

In addition to the prepaid card, families can also receive free Healthy Start vitamins.

Financial Support Details

The prepaid card is topped up every four weeks with the following amounts:

• £4.65 per week during pregnancy and for children aged one to four years
• £9.30 per week for children under one year

How to Apply

Families can check their eligibility and apply for the NHS Healthy Start scheme online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk.

This initiative aims to support the health and nutrition of pregnant women and young children in low-income households by making it easier to access nutritious food.

Source: Doing Good Leeds