Healthy Start consultation could see scheme include frozen foods

Possible changes to the Healthy Start scheme are being reviewed by the Government as part of a consultation.

The Healthy Start scheme issues eligible families coupons which can be exchanged for fresh fruit and veg, milk, or infant formula suitable from birth.

Families quality for Healthy Start if the mother is at least ten weeks pregnant or has a child under four years old and is receiving certain benefits.

Now, it is being considered whether frozen fruit and vegetables may be added to the list of acceptable foods as it contains equal health benefits.

Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley said: “We’re looking at including frozen fruit and vegetables in the Healthy Start scheme.

“Healthy Start helps more than half a million pregnant women and low-income families by giving them vouchers that can be used to buy milk, fresh fruit and vegetables, and also coupons which can be exchanged for free vitamins for women and children.

“Plain frozen fruit and vegetables count towards your 5-A-DAY and can contain as many – if not more – vitamins than poorly stored fresh produce. Frozen goods are often cheaper than fresh and they can last longer, so there’s less food waste too. This would mean that families on Healthy Start have access to a much greater range of produce all year round.”