Healthy Start
What is the Healthy Start Scheme?
Get help to buy food and milk.
The Healthy Start scheme (Best Start Foods in Scotland) helps eligible families with young children and pregnant women buy healthy food and milk. Families can use their Healthy Start card to pay for fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula, while eligible families can also get free vitamins.
Am I eligible for Healthy Start?
You may be able to get help through Healthy Start if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 and receive certain benefits. The scheme is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check the official Healthy Start website to find out if you qualify
What can I buy with Healthy Start?
You can use your Healthy Start card to buy plain cow’s milk, fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried or tinned pulses, and infant formula based on cow’s milk.
How do I apply for Healthy Start?
If you think you may be eligible, you can apply for Healthy Start online. The official Healthy Start website explains who can apply and what you need to do.
What if I live in Scotland?
Families in Scotland cannot get Healthy Start but may be able to get help through the Best Start Foods scheme instead. It helps eligible pregnant women and families with young children buy healthy food.
What if my children are school age?
From September 2026, all children in England whose families receive Universal Credit can get free school meals, regardless of household income. Free school meals can help children enjoy a nutritious, filling meal during the school day.
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