"Healthy Start": replacing Welfare Food Scheme for women and families

The Healthy Start scheme replaced the Welfare Food Scheme throughout the UK in late 2006. It provides pregnant women and young children from low-income backgrounds with vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as milk and infant formula and free vitamins. Pregnant women aged under 18 are eligible for Healthy Start vouchers regardless of income. People applying for Healthy Start must obtain the signature of their registered health visitor, midwife or doctor. Health professionals can use the scheme as a practical way of encouraging healthy eating, breast-feeding and sound infant nutrition.