Tom Kerridge concerned ‘Healthy Start not reaching those in need’

TV chef Tom Kerridge has joined forces with campaigners, insisting it’s high time the government takes food insecurity seriously.

At 51, Kerridge isn’t just a celebrity chef; he’s a passionate advocate for kids’ nutrition.

He said: “It is unacceptable that in a country like the UK we still have such a high number of households with children suffering from food insecurity.”

‘Improve Healthy Start’

If kids aren’t getting the right food, they’re not getting the right start in life.

It’s why Kerridge has called for improvements to the government's Healthy Start scheme.

While it has potential, the chef believes it’s not reaching those in dire need.

“Improvements to the scheme need to be urgently included in the government's upcoming child poverty strategy,” he urged.

Essential improvements

A letter, co-signed by various charitable organisations and medical bodies, was sent to key figures like education secretary Bridget Phillipson and health secretary Wes Streeting.

The message was clear: urgent improvements to the Healthy Start scheme are essential.

What else can be done?

As Kerridge and others push for change, it raises a critical question: when will our leaders take action to make sure no child goes hungry?

It’s a challenge we can’t afford to ignore. That’s why we’ve been campaigning for free school meals for all primary school kids.

What is Healthy Start?

The Healthy Start scheme is designed to support families in need. If you’re expecting a baby or have children under four, this scheme can be a game changer for your grocery shopping.

At its core, it provides financial aid to help you buy healthy food for you and your little one. 

If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that will be topped up every four weeks.

What can I get with Healthy Start?

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried and tinned pulses
• infant formula milk based on cow’s milk
• Healthy Start vitamins to support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• vitamin drops suitable from birth to 4 years old

Who can get Healthy Start?

It's aimed at families on certain benefits, such as:

• universal credit
• child tax credit
• income support
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• pension credit (if you get the child addition)
• income-related employment and support allowance

Pregnant women under 18 can apply too, even if you don’t get any benefits.

How to apply

The application process depends on which benefit you receive.

You’ll need to provide some details about your situation, but don’t worry, it’s not a lengthy process.