Cheltenham parents encouraged to use new food service
Eligible pregnant women and parents of children under four can use the service to buy healthy food and baby formula
Last updated 8th Sep 2024
Parents of young children are being encouraged to use a new food service in Cheltenham.
The Healthy Start Scheme helps pregnant women and parents of children under four who qualify for benefits buy healthy food and baby formula.
So far it's believed that only around 65% of eligible families have registered.
Eligible families would receive a credited Healthy Start card that can be used at various UK shops and the Springbank Community Food Pantry.
Faith Rooke-Matthews is the director of operations at Springbank Community Group who are delivering the scheme. She says cost-of-living pressures mean all eligible families should sign up but understands this can be a difficult decision to make.
"For some people, it's because they don't feel comfortable going into a supermarket and using the vouchers."
However, she encourages families to make use of the service.
"Formula is really expensive. So if you can get a tin of formula with your voucher then that's a really good reason to sign up. If you're wavering and you're bottle feeding your child then that's a good reason."
'No stigma'
"If they feel anxious the first time they come then there's always people that will make them feel welcome. There's no stigma about using these vouchers."
Parents can find out if they are eligible for the scheme by visiting the NHS Healthy Start website.