What are Healthy Start Food Vouchers?
There is a different scheme in Scotland. If you live in Scotland, read our guide on Best Start Foods - Scotland.
Healthy Start Food Vouchers are vouchers that can be used to buy healthy foods.
They are for pregnant people and people who are responsible for children under 4.
Healthy Start Food Vouchers can be exchanged for plain cows' milk, plain fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk.
You cannot use the vouchers to get any fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables which has added salt, fat, sugar or any other ingredient. You cannot get pre-cooked, dried or tinned fruit and vegetables, fruit juice or smoothies.
Free vitamin supplements are usually available from NHS clinics and health centres but your midwife or health visitor will be able to help you with what is available locally.
Applies to: England, Northern Ireland and Wales
Age Rules: There are no specific age rules
Type of benefit: Non means tested.
But in some cases you will need to be eligible for a means-tested benefit in order to qualify.
Administered by: National Health Service (NHS)