The NHS Healthy Start scheme – for you and your children
Every young family should have access to healthy food and essentials - that’s where the NHS Healthy Start scheme can help.
The scheme provides eligible families with a prepaid card to help cover the cost of healthy food, milk, and infant formula. As well as this, you can also collect free Healthy Start vitamins for you and your children.
The prepaid card gets topped up every four weeks and can be used in most shops and supermarkets which accept Mastercard. So, whether it’s fresh fruit and veg, milk, or pulses, you’ve got the basics covered.
Why it’s so important…
The Healthy Start scheme exists to make sure families don’t have to choose between eating well and overstretching the budget. And the vitamins are free so you and your children stay healthy and strong, especially during pregnancy and those early years.
You may be eligible for:
- £4.65 each week of your pregnancy from the 10th week
- £9.30 each week for children from birth to one year old
- £4.65 each week for children between one and four years old
- Free Healthy Start vitamins for you and your children.
You can apply online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk and, if you are eligible, the card is yours to use in most shops that sell healthy food.
The free vitamins can be collected from local children's centres across Barnet.
Find out if you’re eligible…
If you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have children under four, you could be eligible – especially if you are on certain benefits. It is quick and easy to check if you’re eligible and apply.
The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps many families live healthier, happier lives by making access to nutritious food and essential vitamins easier.
For more, including information about other schemes and services, please go to: Healthy early years | Your Health Barnet