Expectant mothers and young children given a healthy start in Cheltenham

Families with young children and expectant mothers in Cheltenham are being encouraged to make use of the Healthy Start Scheme, which has recently launched at the Springbank Community Food Pantry in Cheltenham.

The national scheme aims to support pregnant women and families with children under four, with buying healthy food and formula, including fruit and vegetables, milk, and baby formula. Eligible families will receive a Healthy Start card with money on it that can be used in various UK shops, and now at the Springbank Community Food Pantry.

Cllr Victoria Atherstone, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “The Healthy Start Scheme ensures that expectant mothers and families with young children have access to healthy food and formula, particularly for those who really need this support.

“Sadly only 60% of eligible families in Cheltenham are currently signed up and using the scheme. We hope that by making this scheme available at the Springbank Community Food Pantry, we will be able to reach more families and ensure they have access to healthy food.

“I'd like to thank all of our partners, including John Lewis, for their help in making this scheme so accessible in Cheltenham.”

Faith Rooke-Matthews, director of operations at Springbank Community Group CiC, said: “We are delighted to introduce this scheme into our pantry, helping our local community to access healthy food. We’d like to thank Feed Cheltenham and Feeding Gloucestershire, who were fundamental in getting this scheme started alongside No Child Left Behind. This would not have been possible without their support.”

Claire Hester, partner and brand experience manager at John Lewis, said: “Last year, we donated to No Child Left Behind through our community matters programme which aims to support our local community. We are pleased that the funding has been used to introduce the scheme into Springbank Community Food Pantry.”

Thanks to Feed Cheltenham, Feeding Gloucestershire, Aspire foundation, John Lewis, Springbank Community Group and Cheltenham Borough Homes part of Cheltenham Borough Council for their support.

To find out if you are eligible and for more information on the scheme visit the NHS Healthy Start website.

To find out more about No Child Left Behind visit their website.

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