Families using NHS Healthy Start cards are reminded that they can use the prepaid cards to buy milk, fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables and infant formula, anywhere that accepts Mastercard payments, this includes market stalls, as well as supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery stores and chemists.

Angela Macpherson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing explained:

“A healthy diet is important for the whole family, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and young children. Both vegetables and fruit contain essential nutrients that are important for their health, growth and development.

“Healthy Start cards can be used in lots of different shops, but I think residents forget about market stalls which are a convenient place to get your fruit and veg, that’s fresh, healthy and wholesome. It might also be cheaper than buying them at the supermarket.

“I would like to stress that despite eligibility, we know that a significant number of Buckinghamshire mums-to-be and parents are not signed-up for this payment and could be missing out on up to £1,200 by the time their little one is 4 years old.

“I urge everyone who thinks they might qualify to check their status and make use of Healthy Start. If you’d like to find out more, and to check eligibility, visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/healthystart.

“I am also calling on professionals, we appreciate your support in spreading the word. Let's ensure every child in Buckinghamshire gets vital food support with NHS Healthy Start.”

Two market traders in Buckinghamshire who are actively supporting and promoting the Healthy Start Scheme are Abdul Hakeem from the Aroma Fruit and Veg stall in High Wycombe and David Escott from Aylesbury Market.

Abdul Hakeem, who sells special Healthy Start boxes that cost £4.25, said: “The Healthy Start Scheme is a great scheme for families to increase their fruit and veg intake, especially for children. My family used the Healthy Start card and they thought it was great. If you come to the stall (Aroma Fruit and Veg) with the Healthy Start Card, I will put together a variety box of fruit and vegetables for sale.”

David Escott, said: “I’m happy to be part of helping promote the Healthy Start Scheme. It’s a great scheme and I’ll be putting together a box of fruit and veg for customers using Healthy Start cards. Come along to the stall and get a good mix of different items for your family.”

Aylesbury’s market, in Market Square is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Aroma Fruit and Veg in Eden Shopping Centre, High Wycombe is open Monday to Sunday.

Healthy Start is part of our commitment to improving health outcomes and supporting families to ‘Start Well’ through stages of conception, pregnancy, and early years journey. For more information see our 2024 Director of Public Health’s annual report

Supporting families to give children the best start in life

Notes to Editor

NHS Healthy Start offers financial aid for healthy food and milk, providing vital food assistance for families facing financial constraints. Eligible parents receive payments onto a contactless card that can be used to top up their grocery shop with fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. Parents could benefit from financial support totalling over £1,200 in their child’s first 4 years.

Eligibility
If you are over 10-weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years of age, you could be eligible for Healthy Start payments. You also need to be on one of seven income-related benefits including Universal Credit and Child Tax Credit or be under 18 and pregnant. Even if you’re not a British citizen, if your child is, you could qualify.