Imagine buying milk, fruits, and baby formula every week without having to touch your wallet.
With the Healthy Start scheme, this is possible — and it’s already helping thousands of families across the UK.

Let’s break down exactly how it works and what you need to know before applying.

Check If You Qualify

? What You Can Buy

The Healthy Start card is accepted in most supermarkets and covers essential foods, including:

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  • ? Whole, semi-skimmed, or skimmed milk
  • ? Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
  • ? Infant formula for babies
  • ? Pulses such as lentils, beans, and chickpeas
  • ? Free vitamins for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and young children

You’re free to choose the products you want — as long as they fall under the program’s approved healthy food list.

? How Much You Get

Your weekly amount depends on your situation:

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  • £4.25 per week for each child under 4
  • £8.50 per week if you’re pregnant or have a baby under 1

The money is added automatically every 4 weeks to your prepaid card.
There’s no need to reapply monthly — as long as you stay eligible, the benefit continues.

? Where You Can Use the Card

The Healthy Start card works just like a debit card and is accepted at major retailers, including:

  • Tesco
  • ASDA
  • Aldi
  • Lidl
  • Co-op
  • Iceland
  • Morrisons
  • Many local corner shops and community stores

Simply tap or insert the card at checkout — no need to ask for special assistance or verify eligibility in-store.

? How to Apply (Step by Step)

The application is free and takes only a few minutes.

You’ll need:

  • Your full name and address
  • Your date of birth
  • Your National Insurance number

Once approved, your prepaid card arrives directly by post.
After activation, it starts receiving funds automatically every month.

? Who Can Apply?

You may qualify if:

  • You are pregnant
  • You have a child under 4
  • You receive Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or certain other benefits

Even if you’re unsure, checking takes only a minute — and many families qualify without realizing it.

? Final Tip

You do not need to be a British citizen to apply.
You only need to live in the UK and meet the eligibility criteria.

And the sooner you apply, the sooner your card arrives — meaning free groceries for your family as early as next month.

Apply for Your Card Now