Wirral families could be missing out on extra money for healthy food

09 June 2026

Cartoon caricatures of fruit, veg and milk.

If you’re pregnant or have a child under four, you could get extra money every week to help buy healthy food – but many families in Wirral are missing out.

The Healthy Start scheme gives families a simple way to put nutritious food on the table, support their child’s growth, and build healthy habits from the very beginning. With payments increasing from April 2026, families can now get even more support during pregnancy and early childhood – an important time for development.

What is Healthy Start?

Healthy Start is an NHS scheme that supports people who are pregnant or have children under four and are on a low income or certain benefits.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a prepaid card that is topped up every four weeks. You can use it in most shops to buy healthy foods, including fruit and vegetables (fresh, frozen or tinned), plain cow’s milk, infant formula, and pulses like beans and lentils.

It’s a simple way to help families afford nutritious food and support children to grow up healthy and strong.

Payment rates have increased

From April 2026, the amount families receive through Healthy Start has gone up, giving more help when it’s needed most.

You can now get:

£4.65 a week during pregnancy
£9.30 a week for babies under one
£4.65 a week for children aged one to four

The money is added automatically to your Healthy Start card every four weeks, making it easy to use as part of your regular shop.

How to sign up

Applications are made online through the Healthy Start website: healthystart.nhs.uk/

Even though Healthy Start can make a big difference, many eligible families in Wirral are not yet signed up.

Earlier this year, some families were contacted directly to encourage them to apply. But even if you didn’t receive a letter, you could still be eligible – especially if your circumstances have changed.

If you need help applying or have any questions, extra support is available: