Recommendation 3b: The Healthy Start scheme, protecting the health of our youngest children

According to data from the Food Foundation, almost 1 in 4 (23.6%) of households with a child under the age of 4 were experiencing food insecurity in January 2024. [...] Food insecurity negatively impacts on healthy food consumption - The disparity in consumption of healthy foods between food secure and food insecure families is widening. [...] The Government should commit to a £5m promotional campaign, as recommended in the National Food Strategy, which targets eligible families and the healthcare professionals who work with them.   • Resolve data sharing issues between the DWP and DHSC to ensure that all those eligible are informed and given opportunity to apply and benefit from Healthy Start    2. [...] As the UK approaches a General Election, The Food Foundation is urging all candidates and political parties to recognise the importance of improving the food system for achieving many societal goals. [...] The Food Foundation’s manifesto ‘Nourishing the Nation’ presents a range of policy priorities aimed at transforming the current food system, reshaping the nation's well-being and future.