The Healthy Boost Project
The Healthy Boost Project supports Liverpool families with fruit and veg vouchers, improving diet, access, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Marmot principles:
- Ensure every child has the best start in life
- Enable people to maximise their potential and have control over their lives
The Healthy Boost Project, started by Feeding Liverpool in November 2023 with help from the Alexandra Rose Charity, has made a big difference for families in Liverpool. It especially helps families who need support but can’t get help from the Healthy Start Scheme. The project gives families vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from the Queen of Greens mobile greengrocer, which visits different places across Liverpool. This makes it easier for families to get healthy food.
From April to July 2024, the project helped 357 families, including 68 families who couldn’t access public funds. This project is really important for families who find it hard to get healthy food because it’s too expensive or they can’t travel far to find it.
Families who joined the project have shared lots of positive feedback. Many parents said their children are eating better, choosing fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy snacks. The mobile greengrocer’s visits to local community centres have made it easier for families, especially in areas where fresh food is hard to find. Staff at these also say the project has helped families use other services, especially those that focus on healthy eating.
The project has also helped with mental health by reducing the stress of finding money for food and not having to travel far to buy healthy options. It’s clear the project is working because 100% of the families said they feel healthier since joining. The food is fresh and of good quality, and many families have even tried new foods they hadn’t eaten before. The recipe cards and cooking tips that come with the food have helped families make healthy meals at home, leading to better eating habits.