The UK Government's Department of Health this week published proposals to reform its social welfare Food Scheme so that pregnant women, mothers and young children in low income groups have greater access to a healthy diet.
The reformed scheme, to be renamed 'Healthy Start', is to come into effect in 2004 and will target more than 800,000 people in low income families in England, Scotland and Wales, with an annual £142 million (€224.8m) funding.
The proposals follow a scientific review of the current scheme which has changed little since it was conceived during war-time shortages in 1940. A recent review by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition Policy (COMA) advised that, although milk and infant formula - currently provided in the scheme - are important elements in the diets of mothers and children, they are not sufficient on their own to meet their nutritional needs. It also found the current scheme acted as a disincentive for mothers to breast-feed.
As well as broadening the nutritional value of the scheme by adding fruit and vegetables and cereal-based foods, there are also proposals to offer wider access to these foods through a fixed value voucher. The voucher would be of broadly equivalent value to the current allocation, which is seven pints of liquid milk. Another key change will link the scheme more closely with Britain's National Health Service (NHS) through antenatal and post-natal clinics.
Different views from interested parties, such as users of the scheme, health professionals and the food and dairy industry, will be requested at consultation events and there will also be discussions to ensure that the finalised proposals build on the experience of those involved in the existing scheme and retain the wider benefits their involvement brings, such as employment and links to isolated groups, said the Department of Health.
Public Health Minister Hazel Blears said: "These proposals will help lay the foundations for the good health of future generations. Good nutrition in pregnancy and early childhood is a key element in preventing obesity, cancer, coronary heart disease and strokes later in life."
"People with low incomes suffer more ill-health. By improving the nutritional benefit of the scheme, and making healthy options easier options, we can help to reduce these unfair inequalities," she continued.
UK Food Minister Lord Whitty added: " I welcome the current review which will provide an opportunity to assess the best ways in which a balanced diet can be delivered to the most vulnerable in our society. It does have implications for both the dairy industry and the horticultural sector, and for the delivery of these products, all of which will be considered in the consultation process."
Martin Beaumont, chief executive of Britain's Co-operative Group, commented: "As a major food retailer, farmer and milk processor we welcome the opportunity to work with the government to establish how the reformed scheme might work in an effective way to help improve the health of the nation."