Veg Aid...The government is planning to give all pregnant women a £120 payment in the hope they spend it on fruit and vegetables as a means of protecting their infants from childhood diseases.
Alan Johnson, the health secretary, will announce the hand-out in a speech this week...-
However... there is nothing to prevent pregnant women spending it on drink, cigarettes, chocolate or even clothes.
The “health in pregnancy” benefit will be made as a one-off payment when a woman is seven months pregnant, just two months before the birth. They will be expected to take expert professional advice on the advantages of having a proper balanced diet and also giving up drinking and smoking. (The Times)
Since there will be nothing to stop the money be used for other things and there is "little authoritative research which proves that financial incentives, even if combined with nutritional advice" lead to better nutrition, the government is basically throwing away £120 on every pregnant woman. What is the point of Veg Aid if there is nothing to ensure that the money is spent on fruit and veg and no evidence that it leads to a beneficial change in behaviour? It's just a gimmick.Alan Johnson, the health secretary, will announce the hand-out in a speech this week...-
However... there is nothing to prevent pregnant women spending it on drink, cigarettes, chocolate or even clothes.
The “health in pregnancy” benefit will be made as a one-off payment when a woman is seven months pregnant, just two months before the birth. They will be expected to take expert professional advice on the advantages of having a proper balanced diet and also giving up drinking and smoking. (The Times)
