Widening access to Best Start Foods

Changes to Best Start Foods mean more people can access financial support to buy healthy foods during their child’s early years.

In February we made changes to eligibility rules which meant that thousands more people in Scotland were able to apply.

We are also now able to make payments to people who have no access to public funds but meet the eligibility criteria, under an interim arrangement.

This means parents with children under 3 who are not eligible under current regulations can now benefit from support.

This extends access to non-British as well as British children, and can include people without access to public funds due to their immigration status, such as families seeking asylum and refuge.

The changes come into effect from 5 August 2024.

What the changes mean and who can get the payment

People who do not currently meet the eligibility criteria may be able to receive payments equivalent to Best Start Foods if they meet the following conditions:

• are responsible for at least one child under 3, not including pregnancies
• family income is £1763.18 or less a month after tax for a single adult or £2086.00 or less a month after tax for a couple
• are not able to access public funds because of immigration status or do not have immigration status
• they have an address in Scotland.

Financial support to buy healthy foods

This interim arrangement for Best Start Foods provides eligible people with up to £42.40 every four weeks until their child turns 3 years old. It can help with the cost of buying milk, first infant formula and healthy foods including eggs, fruit and vegetables.

Payments are made on a prepaid chip and pin card that can be used in various supermarkets and convenience stores – both in store and online.

Help us spread the word

Help us spread the news around this change by sharing via your communications channels and asking people within your local communities and networks to check their eligibility.

To find out more about Best Start Foods and eligibility criteria visit the Best Start Foods webpage or call free on 0800 182 2222.