Brixton Market

Traders at Brixton Market have joined a scheme to help low income families provide healthy food for their children.

The scheme, funded by the Greater London Authority, will pilot in Brixton using six children’s centres in Lambeth and help 80 families.

The scheme will be part of The Rose Voucher Scheme, organised by Alexandra Rose Charities, which will enable families and pregnant women to use vouchers in exchange for fruit and vegetables.

The Rose Voucher Scheme has been piloted in the boroughs of Hackney and Greenwich with success.

When the new scheme opens in Brixton, families will be provided with weekly vouchers worth £3 for each child under the age of four, as well as pregnant women.

“The scheme has two aims really. One is to try and get hard to reach people into children’s centres, it gives some mothers an incentive to go to these places.” Said Stuart Horwood, local representative for Brixton Market Traders.

“The second, of course, is to get these families eating healthy food instead of going to McDonalds.”

Families part of the scheme will be able to exchange vouchers for fruit and vegetables without using any other direct payment to the market stall and shop owners.

“A lot of people are struggling for food nowadays, it’s good to help those in need. It’ll create a bit more business for the Market too” Said Richard, owner of one of Brixton Market’s vegetable stalls.

The scheme is set to begin within the next month.