We want every child to have the best start in life and increasing the uptake of the Healthy Start Scheme is a key part of working towards this vision.
Healthy Start is for pregnant women or those who have a responsibility for at least one child under 4 years of age and are receiving certain income-related benefits. Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to £8.50 each week to spend on fruit, vegetables, milk and to collect free vitamins; helping families to prioritise healthy food and increase their vitamin and mineral intake. The scheme is digitalised; the paper application form was replaced with a digital form and the paper vouchers replaced with a pre-paid card.
Results from Leicester's Health and Wellbeing survey (2024) found that 5% of people were worried they would not have enough to eat and 20% have experienced at least one food insecurity issue, therefore increasing the uptake of the Healthy Start scheme is a priority.
