Written question asked by Helen Goodman (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 October 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 October 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Welfare Food Scheme

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government has taken to raise awareness of the Welfare Food Scheme amongst pregnant women.

Answer: Awareness of the Welfare Food Scheme has been promoted to pregnant women in a number of ways. The booklet entitled ‘Free Milk for pregnant women’ is widely available in doctors’ surgeries, health clinics, Job Centre Plus offices, Citizens Advice Bureaus as well as through health visitors and midwives. In addition, posters promoting this scheme have also been made widely available. All relevant Department of Health publications refer to the availability of free milk for pregnant women.The Welfare Food Scheme will become the Healthy Start scheme in November this year. Under Healthy Start, there will be enhanced promotion of the availability of Healthy Start vouchers for all eligible pregnant women including pregnant women under 18. Health professionals will receive an information pack to help them signpost the scheme to relevant families, and help them get the most out of the scheme.

Secondary information