Four leading UK supermarkets—Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, and Asda—are reportedly in active discussions about reintroducing a £2 voucher scheme to support pregnant women and low-income families. This move echoes the support provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, when such vouchers were issued weekly to help vulnerable shoppers access essentials.
The original Healthy Start voucher program, which provides financial assistance to families with young children and pregnant women, was gradually phased out as the pandemic eased. However, with the ongoing Cost of Living crisis, these supermarkets are reconsidering the benefits of reinstating the scheme.
Sainsbury’s head of healthy and sustainable diets, Nilani Sritharan, confirmed the retailer is working towards bringing back the £2 vouchers, particularly if the program reverts to paper-based vouchers. “We understand how impactful this support was and are collaborating with the Government to facilitate it within the current digital system,” Sritharan explained.
READ MORE: Major UK Broadband Provider VISPA Enters Liquidation – Customers Urged to Switch Immediately
READ MORE: Walsall Council to Approve £1m Payment and 125-Year Lease for New £50m Free School on Reedswood Park Woodland
Under the existing Healthy Start scheme, eligible families receive a card loaded with credit that can be used to purchase healthy foods such as plain liquid cow’s milk, a variety of fresh, frozen, and tinned fruits and vegetables, pulses, and infant formula milk based on cow’s milk. The card can also be used to obtain Healthy Start vitamins for pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as vitamin drops appropriate for babies and children up to four years old.
Tesco confirmed its active involvement in ongoing talks, while Asda expressed willingness to consider reinstating the vouchers if the paper format returns. Aldi’s national sustainability director, Liz Fox, shared that Aldi accepts Healthy Start vouchers and is open to the idea of adding value at checkout, pending discussions with NHS representatives.
This renewed interest highlights the commitment of UK supermarkets and the government to support families facing financial challenges and to promote access to nutritious food for mothers and young children.