Over 30 per cent of vulnerable families here in Leicester could be missing out on the Healthy Start vouchers that they may be entitled to.

Families with children under 4 and pregnant women are entitled to the vouchers to help them buy fresh fruit, vegetables and milk. Pregnant women can also access vouchers to enable them to buy vitamins to help them through their pregnancy.

Many of our local supermarkets are not listed on the Healthy Start website, meaning local families may not know when they can use their vouchers.

I have written to the Chief Executives of all major supermarkets and the managers of local stores to make sure that they accept the vouchers, to ensure they train their staff in accepting and promoting the vouchers and to ask them to ensure their stores are listed on the Healthy Start website.

You can check if you’re entitled to Healthy Start vouchers here www.healthystart.nhs.uk/