Although uptake of the Healthy start scheme has once again increased across all Greater Manchester boroughs, with the average uptake across Greater Manchester being 73%, there are still around a quarter of eligible people still not receiving the help they are entitled to.
Across Bury and Bolton around a quarter of the people who are eligible for help from the Healthy Start scheme have not made a claim. That means that every week across Bury and Bolton a massive £5,754 worth of healthy food and milk doesn’t reach those who need it.
In Bury, there is currently £2,142 a week of healthy food and milk not reaching those who need it and in Bolton a further £3,612.50 a week of healthy food and milk is also not reaching those who need it.
Healthy Start scheme take up rates :
| March 2022 | October 2022 | Percentage increase | |
| Bolton | 65% | 77% | 18% |
| Bury | 62% | 73% | 18% |
| Manchester | 67% | 73% | 9% |
| Oldham | 62% | 68% | 10% |
| Rochdale | 65% | 75% | 15% |
| Salford | 65% | 75% | 15% |
| Stockport | 65% | 74% | 14% |
| Tameside | 63% | 74% | 17% |
| Trafford | 62% | 72% | 16% |
| Wigan | 57% | 72% | 26% |
More information about Healthy Start is available on the Healthy Start website at Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start) where an online application can also be made.