People in the North East could be missing out on almost £3m in free fruit, vegetables and milk, a leading food charity has warned.
The charity - Sustain - has analysed NHS data showing more than a quarter of eligible families in each of the North East's local authority areas aren't taking advantage of the Government's Healthy Start Scheme. In response, South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck is bringing a bill to parliament this summer which would see families automatically enrolled.
The MP said this was especially vital given the region's high child poverty levels. The scheme allows pregnant women and young families in receipt of certain benefits to claim a prepaid card offering between £4.25 and £8.50 each week - up to £34 each month - to spend on groceries.
