Help to buy food and milk

Get help to eat healthier with the Healthy Start programme

A third of eligible families in East Sussex are not claiming up to £34 a month through the Healthy Start scheme.

Around £270,000 is going unclaimed by around 1,232 expectant parents and people with young children in the county each year.

If eligible, you will receive between £4.25 and £8.50 per week to buy healthy food and milk through the scheme.

To be eligible you must be more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old. You must also be on a low income – visit the Healthy Starts website or ask your healthcare provider to see if you’re eligible.

Following successful application, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money pre-loaded on it that can be used in some UK shops. The card will then be automatically topped up every four weeks.

You can use your card to buy:

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
• infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

You can also use your card to collect free:

• Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old

There’s more information on how to apply, answers to frequently asked questions and tips for healthier eating on the NHS website.

If you need further help to apply speak to a health professional or visit your local family hub. You can find a service near you on the family hub website. 

Free school meals

Is your child eligible for free school meals?

All children are entitled to free school meals in Reception, Year One and Year Two. Children in Year 3 and above may get free school meals if their parents or carers have a low household income and receive certain benefits.

To apply and find out more, visit the Free school meals web pages. You can also email the Free School Meals team for further information: Free.SchoolMeals@eastsussex.gov.uk