Natalie Don MSP has welcomed the Scottish Government’s increased support for low-income families in Renfrewshire to buy healthy food for children under three years old.
The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is encouraging eligible families to apply for Best Start Foods payments which have risen this month up to £36 from £34 for children under one and from £17 to £18 during pregnancy and for one to three year olds.
Best Start Foods payments are administered by Social Security Scotland every four weeks on a pre-paid card to help pay for healthy food including eggs, milk, fruit, vegetables and pulses.
Parents who receive qualifying benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit or income related Child Tax Credits or Universal Credit where earned income is £625 or less, can apply for the Best Start Foods payment.
Natalie Don MSP said: “With many families in Renfrewshire North and West facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and out-of-touch Westminster Tories removing the £20 Universal Credit uplift, I’m pleased to see the SNP has delivered its commitment to increase Best Start Foods payments within 100 days of forming the Scottish Government.
“I strongly encourage eligible parents in Renfrewshire to apply for the payment, which is part of the Scottish Government’s national mission to eradicate child poverty by offering vital support for low income families to buy healthy food for their children under three.”
For more information, go to www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods or call Social Security Scotland on telephone: 0800 182 2222.