Giving children a Healthy Start in Oxfordshire

Some pregnant mothers and parents of small children in Oxfordshire are eligible for a scheme, which aims to give their children the healthiest start in life.

The Healthy Start scheme is a national scheme supported in the county by Oxfordshire County Council, Good Food Oxfordshire, Home Start, the city and district councils and the NHS. It provides money for families to help with their grocery shop for healthy food, milk and infant formula.

Councillor Nathan Ley, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Inequalities and Community Safety, said: “Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood, as it’s a time of rapid growth and activity.

 “Healthy Start makes it easier to plan healthy meals and snacks for children by helping to buy food items that are proven to be beneficial to your child’s diet.

“However, Oxfordshire eligible families that are not claiming Healthy Start are missing out on an estimated total across the county of nearly £360,000. That’s over £260 a year per family!

“Families could save up to £34 a month on healthy food and drinks in their baby’s first year and over £1,200 on food and milk in a child’s first four years. Make sure you’re not missing out by checking your eligibility.”

Parents can also use the scheme to get free vitamins during pregnancy and vitamin drops for babies and young children. These are available through a midwife or health visitor.

Residents can find out if they are eligible by visiting the dedicated NHS Healthy Start website.

Professionals and volunteers can also learn more by visiting Good Food Oxfordshire’s website, which contains a wealth of training, videos and marketing materials.

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