Nutrition: Low Incomes
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to improve access to affordable, healthy food for low-income households.
Answered by Mrs Sharon Hodgson
The Healthy Start Scheme helps to encourage a healthy diet for pregnant women, babies, and young children under four years old from very low-income households. In April 2026 the value of the weekly payments increased by 10%. Pregnant women and children aged over one and under four years old will each receive £4.65 per week, up from £4.25, and children under one years old will each receive £9.30 per week, up from £8.50. Further information on The Eatwell Guide and the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme guide are available, respectively, at the following two links:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-eatwell-guide
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →