Making the most of your money on World Food Day

Clients encouraged to use Best Start Foods cards

Social Security Scotland is marking World Food Day by encouraging eligible clients to get the most out of their Best Start Foods cards.

The prepaid cards allow people to buy healthy foods like fruit, vegetables and milk from pregnancy until a child turns three. They can also be used to buy first infant formula.

Cardholders have their money topped up every four weeks and balances can be checked online, over the phone, or at cash machines.

United Nations World Food Day will be marked in 150 nations and in 50 languages across the globe, with a focus on reducing food waste and ensuring access to clean water.

Here in Scotland we’re calling for people to check whether they, their friends and families may be eligible for Best Start Foods. And for our existing 34,000 cardholders to check balances and keep their cards active.

Check this video for tips on getting the most out of your card:

Best Start Foods payments are made as follows:

• £19.80 every 4 weeks during pregnancy – the payment amount is per pregnancy. This means the payment amount is the same whether you're pregnant with one baby, or if you're having twins or triplets
• £39.60 every 4 weeks from your child being born up until they're one year old
• £19.80 every 4 weeks when your child is between the ages of one and 3 years old

The card can be used in supermarkets, online and in local stores.

In May, we introduced a new partnership with the Scottish Grocers Federation which saw the card promoted in 2200 smaller convenience stores across Scotland including Spar, Keystore, Nisa and Premier.

At the time our Chief Executive David Wallace said: “I would encourage anyone who has a Best Start Foods card to check their balance and to make sure they are using it regularly.”

Find out more at mygov.scot/beststart