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Written question asked by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Labour) on Thursday, 10 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 October 2024. It was answered by Andrew Gwynne (Labour) on Thursday, 17 October 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Food: Prescriptions

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Levelling Up the United Kingdom White Paper, published in February 2022, whether he is taking steps to implement the Community Eatwell pilot.

Answer

The prevention of ill health is a clear mission for the Government, and the cornerstone of this is supporting people to live healthier lives. The Government is committed to creating the healthiest generation of children ever, as set out in our Child Health Action Plan. The Healthy Start scheme was introduced in 2006 to encourage a healthy diet for pregnant women, babies, and young children under four years old from very low-income households. It can be used to buy, or can be put towards the cost of, fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, and infant formula. Healthy Start beneficiaries have access to free Healthy Start Vitamins for pregnant women and children aged under four years old.

The Government also encourages everyone to have a healthy balanced diet in line with the United Kingdom’s Eatwell Guide. Further action on diet and obesity under the Government’s Health Mission will be set out in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
8470
Session
2024-26
Related items
Levelling Up the United Kingdom
Wednesday, 2 February 2022
Command papers
House of Lords
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Food Pilot schemes Nutrition Prescriptions
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk