09/04/2026
Introducing the NHS Healthy Start Scheme: Nourishing Families for a Healthier Future
Are you helping families you work with to cope with the rising cost of living and keeping to a healthy diet? Did you know you can encourage them to apply for a weekly payment for fresh fruit, vegetables and milk through the NHS Healthy Start Scheme?
The Healthy Start Scheme is a government initiative aimed at providing essential support and funding for vulnerable and low-income families. The scheme's primary goal is to ensure that every vulnerable family, particularly those facing economic hardship, has access to healthy and nutritious food.
Nearly £1million of the NHS Healthy Start scheme in Hertfordshire, is still unclaimed and more families need your support to benefit from this funding How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
How the scheme works:
Money is added onto the Healthy Start card every 4 weeks and recipient receives:
• £4.65 each week of pregnancy from the 10th week
• £9.30 each week for children from birth to 1 year old
• £4.65 each week for children between 1 and 4 years old
Families can also obtain free vitamins from their local family centre in Hertfordshire – find out more at www.hertsfamilycentres.org/healthystartvitamins
More information available at Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) You can also email [email protected] or call 0300 330 7010 for information.
