Thousands of Hackney parents ‘missing out’ on unclaimed food vouchers, warns charity boss

Hackney Foodbank boss Pat Fitzsimons. Photograph: Hackney Foodbank

Hackney Foodbank is urging families “missing out on vital funding” to claim their Healthy Start vouchers.

An estimated 1,358 local families – more than half of those eligible – have not applied to the government scheme.

Healthy Start gives people a pre-loaded debit card topped up with £4.25 per week for every child under the age of four, and starts from the tenth week of pregnancy.

It amounts to more than £1,000 per child over the mother’s pregnancy and the child’s first four years.

The scheme is open to families on Universal Credit who bring in less than £408 a month; people receiving child tax credit with a household income of £16,190 or less; and anyone under 18 years old who is pregnant.

Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “Hackney parents are missing out on vital funding towards fruit, vegetables, milk and pulses.

“The process of claiming Healthy Start vouchers is so quick and easy – for many of the families we support, this extra bit of money would really come in handy.

“Week by week it might not seem a lot, but it adds up. I’d urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply online.

“Healthy Start vouchers can’t be claimed retrospectively – so it’s crucial parents apply now to avoid missing out.

“The money can be used to buy produce that helps with healthy child development.

“With so many festivals approaching this winter, this is a great way to help family budgets.”

Hackney Foodbank, Hackney Council and the NHS have joined forces to try to encourage more parents to sign up.

To apply for Healthy Start vouchers, residents need to head to the NHS Healthy Start website with their National Insurance number, benefit award letter, name, address, and date of birth. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to know your baby’s due date.

The scheme also offers free vitamins for mothers through pregnancy and breastfeeding, and vitamin drops for babies and young children.

To claim, visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk