ALL BABIES DESERVE A HEALTHY START
A new Government scheme to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to babies and pregnant mothers has been welcomed by Helen.
The programme, called Healthy Start, replaces the Welfare Food Scheme, and will benefit families on low income by encouraging healthy eating.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Helen raised the difficulties she had had whilst trying to eat the healthy diet required by pregnant women on benefits.
She said, “My experiment last month, where I tried to live on Income Support, proved to me that a woman could not eat the healthy diet doctors recommend for pregnant mothers while on benefits.
“The new Healthy Start scheme will provide weekly vouchers for pregnant women and new Mums, so they can buy the fruit, veg and milk they need for their babies. It is estimated that the scheme will cover 600,000 people at a cost of £129 million.
“I am delighted that the Government has recognised that we need to do more for pregnant women. This is a big step forward in ensuring all pregnant women have adequate nutrition.”
Helen also questioned a Health Minister over whether it would be easy for parents to use the new vouchers at local shops. The Minister replied that over 40,000 retailers were expected to participate in the new scheme – a considerable increase on previous programmes.
“Poor diet in the earliest stages of life has a significant impact on future health and educational achievement, Helen added. “Future society will benefit greatly from making sure all children get a healthy start.”
Pregnant women and families can use the Health Start website to check if they qualify, download an application form, find local shops participating in the scheme. More details here.
Filed under: Uncategorized on November 29th, 2006
