Parents of toddlers in Devon and Cornwall will be able to claim free fruit and vegetables as the first phase of the new Healthy Start initiative is introduced, announced Health Minister, Melanie Johnson, last month. Under Healthy Start, people will receive vouchers for a specific value that they can use to buy milk, fruit or vegetables in their local shops.

Parents on low incomes will be eligible for the vouchers, which will be worth at least £5.60 per week for families with children aged between 0 and one year old, and at least £2.80 per week to families with children aged over one year old. In addition, all pregnant women under the age of 18 will be eligible for the scheme, regardless of family income.

The consultation period will run until 26th April. The document is available from http://www.doh.gov.uk

Posted 2nd April