General Discussion

Teignbridge families offered a free healthy start!

Families across Teignbridge can sign up to receive a free seasonal fruit and vegetable box this Autumn as part of the national Healthy Start Scheme.

Devon County Council is running a promotional initiative this autumn to raise awareness of the national Healthy Start scheme. Healthy Start provides eligible pregnant women and families with children under four with financial support for fruit and veg, pulses, cows’ milk, and infant formula, as well as free vitamins.

Only about 50% of those eligible in Devon are currently signed up so we're supporting DCC to get as many people as possible get this support in the Teignbridge area. The Healthy Start scheme is also going digital later on in autumn, and people who are eligible will need to apply on the new system, even those who are currently signed up. This means some may lose their support if they are unaware of the changes and the need to re-apply.

The Get a Healthy Start! promotion will provide a FREE seasonal fruit and veg box for those who are eligible for Healthy Start within the Devon County Council area. Boxes can be ordered directly by families and will be delivered in October. The promotional box will contain the following:

• An essential guide booklet with nutritious recipes, information on Healthy Start and actions to take, and signposting to other resources
• Fun 10 minute shake-up games for children
• Breastfeeding support information

More information including eligibility criteria and how to order can be found on the Devon healthy start website. 2500 boxes are available and orders can be taken until 24 September, or until all boxes are allocated.