Islington Council is helping families bridge the gap between the end of Healthy Start payments and the start of free school meals with its local 'Fill the Gap' scheme.

The scheme supports families from when Healthy Start payments end (when a child turns four) until free school meals begin (when a child starts school). Eligible families are identified by the council’s Financial Resilience Team and sent vouchers equal to the amount they were receiving through the national Healthy Start scheme for each child.

The initiative was highlighted during a recent meeting of the Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee, where councillors reviewed the Public Health Performance Report for Quarter 1 of 2025/26. The report indicated that 1,790 families in Islington were already benefiting from the Healthy Start Vouchers scheme in Q1.

However, the council recognised that families face a financial shortfall between when Healthy Start payments for a child end and when free school meals begin (when a child starts school). To address this, the council launched the 'Fill the Gap' scheme to provide continued support during this transition period.

According to the Public Health Performance Quarter 1 2025/26 Report, eligible families are identified by the council's Financial Resilience Team and receive vouchers equivalent to their Healthy Start payments. Data shows an impressive 85% redemption rate for these vouchers.

This local initiative ensures that families receive over £200 in extra vouchers, helping them provide nutritious food for their children and ensuring they are healthy and ready for school. This proactive approach demonstrates Islington Council's commitment to supporting families and addressing food insecurity within the borough.