Friday 8 March 2024
For immediate release
Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth, has welcomed plans from the Scottish Government to increase eligibility for the Best Start Foods payment.
The Best Start Foods Grant is a set of payments made every four weeks to help pay for healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.
The payment, which has been hailed by health professionals as having positive impacts on families in terms of dietary intake and mental wellbeing, already helped more than 46,000 people in 2022/23.
Now, the Scottish Government have extended the eligibility for the payment to over 20,000 more people across the country.
Before the changes it was paid to people who receive qualifying benefits as long as their incomes did not pass certain limits. Those income thresholds have now been removed in a move which means thousands more will be able to successfully apply for a pre-paid card, which can be used in a range of shops and online.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said –
“I am proud that this Scottish Government continues to put our families and soon-to-be mothers at the front of our policies.
“The Best Start Foods grant has already been recognised for its ground-breaking benefits in both physical and mental wellbeing of parents across Scotland.
“As eligibility for the payment has been extended this week, I strongly encourage constituents to check whether they may qualify to receive this crucial payment.
“A healthy diet is so important to the development of our young children, and I am glad that this payment has now been opened to thousands more families who will see the benefits of the additional income.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Best Start Foods was introduced by the Scottish Government in August 2019.
- Health professionals’ reference can be found here – https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/evaluation-best-start-foods-qualitative-research
An update on the eligibility of the payment can be found here – www.gov.scot/news/20-000-can-get-best-start-foods-for-the-first-time
