The scheme reforms the voucher-based Food Welfare Scheme, and wasexpected to take effect last year. But Rachel Atkinson, the Departmentof Health's nutrition policy manager, has confirmed it will not beginuntil the end of 2006 while the Government awaits an evaluation of apilot in Devon and Cornwall.
Judith McCann, public health co-ordinator for Sure Start Weavers andSpitalfields in Tower Hamlets, said change is needed since the existingscheme makes women more likely to opt for formula milk thanbreastfeeding.
"The current welfare scheme totally undermines breast feeding and has avery minimal effect on health and children's welfare," she told aPre-school Learning Alliance conference on nutrition last week.
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