Sainsbury’s is rolling out its £2 top up coupon, which accompanies the government funded NHS Healthy Start scheme, across Wales and Northern Ireland.
Looking to support low-income families amid the cost-of-living crisis, the Big 4 grocer said this extension could help to feed an additional 47,000 pregnant women and children over the next few months.
Customers in these areas using a Healthy Start card at a Sainsbury’s superstore will automatically recieve a printed coupon worth £2 every week to use towards fresh and frozen food, as well as tinned fruit and vegetables until 11 April 2023.
This comes as Sainsbury’s is also re-introducing this coupon over the next six months to customers using a Healthy Start card in England, following its initial roll out in February last year, as well as during December 2021 to help families struggling over Christmas.
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“We know how challenging things are at the moment and as the cost-of-living continues to rise, we’re committed to helping ensure that everyone has access to affordable and nutritious food,” Sainsbury’s director of corporate responsibility and sustainability, Ruth Cranston said.
“We are really pleased we can extend our £2 top up for the NHS Healthy Start scheme to eligible customers in Wales and Northern Ireland and hope the additional coupon will provide some relief to many people over the coming months.”
Food Foundation senior business and investor engagement manager, Rebecca Tobi added: “Our latest data tracking in the UK finds that one in four households with children have experienced food insecurity in the past month, with four million children living in households experiencing food insecurity.
“We know that good nutrition during the first few years of life is critical for healthy growth and development, so it would be great to see other retailers follow Sainsbury’s lead and boost their support of the Healthy Start scheme.”
