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Healthy Start and food bank help
If you cannot afford enough food, help exists. This page explains Healthy Start and where else to turn. It is general information, so always check the official page for current rules.
If you are struggling right now
You are not alone, and asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people use support at some point, often because of a sudden change such as illness, a delay in benefits, redundancy or a rise in costs. The options below may help. Rules and amounts change, so check the official pages before you rely on anything here. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.
Healthy Start
Healthy Start is a government scheme that helps with the cost of healthy food for pregnant women and families with young children. GOV.UK says it gives help to buy healthy foods such as milk or fruit, and free vitamins.
Who can get it
- You must be more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have a child under 4.
- You must be claiming certain benefits. The GOV.UK page does not list them in the summary, so check the official page or the NHS Healthy Start website.
- If you are under 18 and more than 10 weeks pregnant, you can claim without receiving benefits.
- If you are not a British citizen but your child is, you may qualify if all of these apply: you have at least one British child under 4; your family earns £408 or less per month after tax; and you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status, or because you have no immigration status.
How to apply
- Apply through the NHS Healthy Start website (healthystart.nhs.uk).
- Scotland: Healthy Start is not available. Scottish residents can apply for Best Start Foods instead.
- Non-citizen route: if you think you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status, GOV.UK explains how to request an application form by email and what documents can help. See the "Healthy Start extension: application guidance" on GOV.UK.
GOV.UK does not state exact food or vitamin amounts on that page, so we have not either. Check the NHS Healthy Start website for current values.
Food banks
Food banks give out emergency food parcels. Many are run by community groups, churches and charities, and the Trussell organisation runs a large network. Rules differ. Some need a referral from a professional such as a GP, health visitor, social worker or Citizens Advice, and others accept self-referrals or have open sessions. Search for "food bank near me" and your town, and look at the organisation's own website for the process, opening times and what to bring. Check opening times before you travel.
What to expect
- You may be asked for a voucher or referral, or a short chat about your situation.
- Parcels usually contain tinned and dried food for a few days. Some centres also offer fresh food, toiletries or baby items.
- Many food banks can also point you to advice on benefits, debt and housing.
Other places to look
| Source of help | What it can do |
|---|---|
| Citizens Advice | Free advice on benefits, debt, housing and referrals to local support |
| Local council | May run household support schemes, free school meals information and community pantries |
| Community pantries and fridges | Low-cost or free food, often with no questions asked |
| Schools and nurseries | Information on free school meals and holiday activity programmes |
| Your GP or health visitor | Can refer you to support and talk about vitamins and nutrition |
Check you are claiming everything
Many households miss out on money they could claim. Use the benefits calculators on GOV.UK or Citizens Advice to check what you may be entitled to. A short call to an advice service can sometimes unlock help that you did not know existed.
Cooking on a very small budget
If you get an emergency parcel, tinned and dried foods can be made into good meals. See cheap recipes for ideas using staples. Learn how to plan and batch cook to get the most from what you have, and read food waste and leftovers to avoid throwing anything away.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. For personal advice, speak to Citizens Advice or your local council.
Frequently asked questions
Who can get Healthy Start?
Women more than 10 weeks pregnant or with a child under 4 who are claiming certain benefits, or pregnant women under 18. Check GOV.UK for the full rules.
Can I get Healthy Start in Scotland?
No. In Scotland you can apply for Best Start Foods instead.
Do I need a referral for a food bank?
Often, but not always. Some need a voucher or referral, and others accept self-referrals. Check the local food bank's website.