A FRUIT and veg voucher scheme to tackle food poverty among low income families in central areas of Barnsley has been so successful it will be rolled out to other districts.

The Rose Voucher scheme, which gives people £3 of fruit and veg vouchers per week, will now be run in the Dearne and South areas to make sure families are able to eat healthily.

It will be launched on Tuesday at Wombwell Family Centre, Bondfield Close, when families can go along between 11.30am and 12.30pm to find out if they are eligible.

The roll out follows a successful pilot which was launched in December last year in the Central area, targeting households in Kendray and Worsbrough, Worsbrough Common, Stairfoot, Dodworth and Monk Bretton. Some 150 families are now involved and 80 per cent regularly attend the pick-up points to collect their vouchers.

By registering for the scheme people not only receive vouchers each week but also have the opportunity to become more involved at their local family centre, get access to skills and knowledge about cooking and to information and activities for a healthy lifestyle.

Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman, said: “These vouchers will support more families to adopt healthier lifestyles in the crucial years before school starts.

“The additional support from family centres, such as cooking classes, will also help them develop the skills and confidence to provide their families with the healthiest start.”

In the Dearne and South areas, voucher pick-up points will be at Wombwell Family Centre, Thurnscoe Family Centre and the Salvation Army Community Centre in Goldthorpe, as well as the area next to the Better Barnsley Shop in Barnsley town centre, near the entrance to the Alhambra.

The vouchers can be used at fruit and veg stalls in Wombwell, Goldthorpe and Wombwell markets. Online delivery options are also available and information about this can be found at the voucher pick-up points.

Barnsley Council bosses believe the project will introduce a new generation to market shopping, boost economic regeneration by supporting local fruit and veg traders. It is also hoped that by getting people to visit family centres they will also come across other services such as cooking on a budget, healthy lunch box, and cook and eat sessions.

The scheme has been paid for by the Big Lottery Fund and the Alexandra Rose Charity.

For more information contact 294604.