UK public health urged to support vegan food

The vouchers available to buy milk and animal-based vitamin D supplements should be extended to vegan food, says Vegan Society of UK.

Currently, under the Healthy Start scheme of NHS UK, the vouchers cannot be used for buying plant milk and there are no vegan-friendly vitamin D supplements available.

Dr Jeanette Rowley, of Vegan Society, and solicitor Edie Bowles from Advocates For Animals said the Healthy Start Voucher Scheme is discriminatory without any lawful justification.

Heather Russell, Dietitian at The Vegan Society, says that it is important for everyone to eat calcium-rich foods daily and fortified plant milk plays an important role in vegan nutrition.

“In fact, the UK’s Eat Well guide recognises that fortified plant milk represents a valuable alternative to cow’s milk. Calcium content is comparable and the soya variety is similar to cow’s milk in terms of protein quantity and quality.”