Vitamins and some infant formulas are also available
Some Hull families are eligible for Healthy Start, which provides them with free milk, fruit and vegetables (Image: SbytovaMN/Getty)
With the cost of food continuing to rise, many families across Hull are finding it harder to afford healthy essentials. But if you are pregnant or have young children, you could get help with the cost of milk, formula, fruit, vegetables and vitamins through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
Hull City Council and partners are encouraging residents to see if they are eligible to give their children the best possible start in life. If you are eligible, you use a prepaid card that is topped up every four weeks.
Your card can be used in most supermarkets and local shops and the money can be spent on:
- plain liquid cow’s milk
- fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
- infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
You can also get access to free Healthy Start vitamins, which support mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and help young children under four to develop strong teeth and bones.
You may be eligible for Healthy Start if you are:
- at least 10 weeks pregnant
- have a child under four years old
- receive Universal Credit, Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or other qualifying benefits.
If you are under 18 and pregnant, you can apply even if you don’t receive any benefits. The scheme is completely free, and the money is not counted against your benefits or income.
The scheme can be applied for online. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a Healthy Start card through the post. This will then automatically top up each month and can be used like a normal contactless debit card at checkouts.
If you need help applying, you should speak to your midwife or health visitor, local family hub or children’s centre, or contact Citizens Advice for free support. Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of the council said: “The Healthy Start scheme is a valuable source of support that can make a genuine difference to both health and household finances.
“It’s quick to apply for, easy to use and can help families access the nutritious food and vitamins needed for the early years stage. If you’re eligible or think you might be, I’d encourage you to take that first step and apply. We want every child in Hull to have the healthiest possible start in life.”
A Hull City Council spokesperson said: “Hull City Council and partners are working together to make sure no family is left behind. Whether it’s cost of living advice, help with essentials or local food support, there is more help available than you might think.
“Many people may feel unsure about applying for schemes like Healthy Start but these services exist to make life easier during what can be a stressful and expensive time. If you think you may be eligible for Healthy Start, don’t miss out. It’s a simple practical way to spread your food budget while making sure your family gets the nutrition they need.”
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away?Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away byclicking here.