Healthy Start Scheme

Healthy Start replaced the Welfare Foods Scheme (free milk and vitamins) from November 2006. Healthy Start enables eligible pregnant women and families with young children on certain benefits or tax credits to get vouchers that can be used towards the purchase of milk, fresh fruit and vegetables or infant formula.

You are entitled to Healthy Start Vouchers if

1.    you are pregnant or have a child under 4 years of age and you or your family are entitled to:

or

2.   you are pregnant and under the age of 18.:

An application leaflet "HS01 - A healthy start for pregnant women and young children" can be obtained by telephoning 08701 555455.  Alternatively a copy of the form can be downloaded from www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Part B of the form must be completed by your Health Professional.  If Part B is not completed and signed, the application will not be accepted.

You should then send the completed form to:

The scheme provides free vouchers that can be put towards the cost of:

The vouchers are worth:

Healthy Start Vouchers can be used at any shop displaying a Healthy Start window sticker.  This includes all major supermarkets as well as many chemists, greengrocers, convenience stores and milk roundsmen.  A search of participating shops by postcode can be done on the Healthy Start Website at www.healthystart.nhs.uk/ or by contacting the Healthy Start helpline on 0845 6076823.

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Health Professionals can obtain advice relating to the Healthy Start Scheme on the Healthy Start website: www.healthystart.nhs.uk/

Existing and prospecvtive retailers and suppliers can obtain advice relating to the Healthy Start Scheme on the Healthy Start website: www.healthystart.nhs.uk/