Just half of the families in Devon who're eligible for vouchers to buy healthy food for their babies and young children are doing so, according to the county council.

Under the Government's Healthy Start Scheme, eligible families who are expecting a baby, or have children aged under four, get financial support to buy essentials; these include cow's milk; fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables; fresh, dried, and tinned pulses and infant formula. They also get free vitamins.

Devon County Council is now inviting two and a half thousand families to sign up for a seasonal fruit and vegetable box this autumn to raise awareness of the scheme.

The council also wants to highlight the fact that the scheme is going digital at the end of October, with families being given a pre-paid card to buy the items, instead of paper vouchers.

The sign-up process is now also online or over the phone rather than by posting a paper form, and more retailers will be able to participate in the scheme.

What the free box will contain

The 'Get a Healthy Start' box contains fresh fruit and vegetables and simple plant-based recipe ideas, with tips on how to swap or add ingredients (including meat and fish) and prevent food waste. The box will also contain free vitamins and information on how to apply and make the most of the Healthy Start scheme.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Public Health, said: "We are committed to supporting vulnerable families in Devon and working to address the issues some experience around food insecurity.

"The past 18 months have been a struggle for all of us, particularly those families with young children who face financial challenges of being on low incomes.

"Worrying about money can have a real impact on someone's physical and mental health, and make it difficult for families to eat healthily, so it's important they are aware of what support is available to them so they can access it.

"These boxes are designed to highlight the Healthy Start scheme and the upcoming changes to make sure eligible families can access what they are entitled to and ensure families do not miss out.

"They provide some inspiration for recipes which are healthy for people and planet, with ingredients which can be bought using the Healthy Start entitlement, and I'm sure they will be enjoyed by families who receive them- so if you think you are eligible, sign up."

For more information on Healthy Start, click here. To order a Healthy Start fruit and veg box online, click here.

There are a limited number of boxes and the online order form will close on September 24 at midday, or when all boxes are allocated.