20,000 can get Best Start Foods for the first time

Rule changes extend eligibility for help with food shopping

Changes to a key Scottish Government benefit mean an estimated 20,000 people are able to access money to help with the cost of food shopping.

Best Start Foods, which was paid to more than 46,000 people in 2022/23, is money every four weeks to help pay for healthy food from pregnancy until a child turns three.

It’s delivered on a pre-paid chip and pin card which can be used in most stores and online.

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 card.

Other rule changes have made it simpler for eligible young parents to receive the benefit.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“This is an important development for the Scottish Government in terms of our mission to tackle poverty and protect people from harm.

“In 2024-25 we are committing a record £6.3 billion for benefits expenditure, providing support to over 1.2 million people.

“This is £1.1 billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating our commitment to tackling poverty.

“Making this investment allows us to take measures like the one which comes into force today - giving critical help with buying healthy foods to those who need it most.

“It will further benefit the whole economy when cards are used and the cash is spent.”

The changes were welcomed by charity Edinburgh Community Food.

Chief Executive Officer, Brenda Black said:

“The importance of nourishing food for both mother-to-be and infant cannot be overstated: the first 1000 days of a child’s life are crucial for growth, development, and long-term health.

“We welcome the positive changes in Best Start Foods to help thousands of extra families in Scotland access a healthier diet.

“Edinburgh Community Food's team of skilled nutritionists promotes Best Start Foods within our communities, to improve and sustain the health and wellbeing of future generations of Scots.”

To raise awareness we ask stakeholder organisations to share our changes on their channels.

Stakeholder organisations working with families can access shareable resources including social media, web article, poster and factsheets in different languages here Best Start Foods Resources

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can find out more and apply online, over the phone or book an appointment to apply in-person, by visiting mygov.scot/beststartfoods. Or they can call us free on 0800 182 2222.