The NHS Healthy Start is a means-tested scheme for people who are either pregnant or have children under the age of 4, to help purchase fruit, veg, pulses and milk. The scheme recently removed the need for a health professional to sign the application form, but a hard copy form is still required. Across the Winchester District only 40% of families eligible claim the vouchers, so we need to help get the message out. The vouchers are worth £900 if all the vouchers are claimed until the child is 4, so worth the effort to be claimed. Less than 40% of those eligible are currently claiming the vouchers; the Winchester Food Partnership want to increase this, and we need the help of community groups to get the message out
For more information on eligibility can be found at https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/. We have also created a local Facebook page Healthy-Start-Winchester to update individuals and organisations about changes and local updates, and allow people to message us about issues so that we can investigate on their behalf.