Expectant parents and those with children under four can receive free milk, fruit, and vegetables through the NHS Healthy Start programme. The scheme, backed by government support, is aimed at easing the cost of essential groceries for low-income households.
The cost of living continues to weigh heavily on families across the UK, particularly those raising young children. In response, the NHS is extending support through a Healthy Start initiative that provides prepaid cards to help cover the cost of nutritious food and milk.
Introduced as part of the wider government effort to combat food insecurity, this scheme also gives access to vitamin supplements for both mothers and children. It is intended not only to reduce the financial burden on struggling households but also to promote better health outcomes among the most vulnerable.
Eligibility Tied to Benefits and Income Thresholds
The NHS Healthy Start scheme is available to individuals who are at least ten weeks pregnant or have children under the age of four, provided they meet certain income and benefit requirements.
According to the NHS, eligible applicants must be receiving one of the following: Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credit (with a family income of £16,190 or less), Pension Credit (with child addition), or Universal Credit with a monthly take-home pay under £408.
Those under 18 and pregnant qualify automatically, regardless of whether they are receiving benefits. Once approved, participants are issued a Healthy Start card, which is topped up every four weeks and can be used in all supermarkets that accept Mastercard—including Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons.
The monetary support provided varies depending on the stage of pregnancy or the child’s age:
- £4.25 per week from the 10th week of pregnancy
- £8.50 per week for children under one
- £4.25 per week for children aged one to four
According to the NHS, this adds up to £442 annually in potential support for each eligible child.
What the Prepaid Card Covers and How to Apply
The Healthy Start prepaid card can be used to buy plain cow’s milk, infant formula, and fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables. It also covers pulses—whether dried, fresh or tinned—and vitamin supplements specifically developed for pregnant women and young children.
Mothers can access Healthy Start vitamins during pregnancy and up until their child’s first birthday. Children are entitled to vitamin drops from four weeks old until they turn four, unless they consume more than 500ml of formula daily, in which case supplements are unnecessary.
Applications can be completed online via the NHS Healthy Start website. For those unable to apply digitally, a paper form is available through GPs or midwives. The process requires applicants to submit basic details, including National Insurance number and proof of benefit.
By improving access to nutritious food and supplements, the scheme aims to support early development and relieve some financial pressure on UK families.
