An initiative aimed at increasing awareness of a payment scheme among prepaid card holders has been launched. The scheme encourages the 40,000 holders of the prepaid card to use it at their local shop. To inform customers and promote the payment method, retailers will display information in their stores indicating that they accept the Best Start Foods prepaid card as a valid payment option.
Administered by Social Security Scotland, Best Start Foods helps pregnant women and eligible families cover the cost of buying healthy food and milk for their babies and children. Cardholders receive a payment of up to £39.60 every four weeks, delivered via a prepaid card. The Scottish Grocers Federation’s Healthy Living Programme will enlighten and encourage staff in shops to educate their customers on the use of Best Start Foods cards.
Major chains such as Spar, Keystore, Nisa, and Premier are among the outlets involved in the initiative. The net of small shops promoting Best Start Foods spans across Scotland, including remote areas like the Shetland Isles in the north to the Scottish Borders in the south and from Harris, Stornoway in the west to Peterhead in the east.
Social Security Scotland Chief Executive, David Wallace, launched the scheme on a visit to the local branch of Keystore in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, where he stated, “Local convenience shops can sometimes be the lifeblood of their communities. This initiative means owners and staff can offer support to their customers, ensuring they use all of the financial support available to them. As well as the smaller local stores, the card can be used in most big supermarkets and online.”
Kathryn Neil, Program Director of the Scottish Grocers’ Federation’s Healthy Living Programme, expressed delight in collaborating on the initiative and stated, “This positive partnership presents the opportunity for Healthy Living Partnership to join up with other Scottish Government policies. Healthy Living Partnership’s relationships with the convenience and wholesale sector allow us to deliver the information to consumers in the most deprived areas of Scotland and reaching those who are eligible.”
In conclusion, Chris Watson, Owner of Keystore in Ness Avenue, Johnstone, has expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “If I can highlight the Best Start scheme and customers can benefit from it, it can only be a good thing.” The Scottish Government views this initiative as another positive step in improving the standard of living for citizens, especially those in financially challenging circumstances.