The Best Start scheme in Scotland includes a range of payments to support low-income families, including Best Start Foods.
Best Start Foods provides financial support to pregnant women and families with young children to help with the cost of buying healthy food and milk. The scheme is available in Scotland only. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, similar support is provided through the Healthy Start scheme.
Payments are made every 4 weeks onto a prepaid card, which can be used to buy suitable food such as fruit, vegetables and milk. People may receive:
Best Start Foods is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. This means some families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) may still be able to access support if they meet the eligibility requirements.
