The move is being made to help people to save money and improve their health (Picture: Getty)

Free e-cigarettes could be handed out at food banks under new plans being trialled in one area of the country.

As part of the proposed project, smokers accessing support from a food bank will be offered a free e-cigarette starter kit.

It is hoped it will help people save money and improve health if switching from normal cigarettes.

The project is being rolled out in Hertfordshire where several food banks have already stepped forward to take part.


Jim McManus, the director of public health at Hertfordshire County Council, said he hopes it will be up and running by the end of the year.



It is estimated that switching to e-cigarettes could save a smoker with a 20-a-day habit more than £70 a week and reduce many of the harmful effects of tobacco smoking.

The free starter kit will be made available to smokers accessing the support of a food bank in Herfordshire (Picture: PA)

Mr McManus referred to the proposed project – which would be designed, run and evaluated by a research team from a UK university – at a meeting of the council’s public health and prevention cabinet panel on Thursday May 9.

Named the ‘Hertfordshire Tobacco Control Strategic Plan 2019-22′, Mr McManus’ proposal pointed to a widening gap in health inequalities between people from working class backgrounds due to smoking.

According to data in the report 12.7 per cent of the overall adult population in Hertfordshire smoke, with smoking rates much higher among those in manual jobs, on low incomes and those with mental health conditions.

Around 24 per cent of working class people in the county smoke, the report found.

Hemel Today reports that the project will need to address complaince with EU competition rules before it can begin.

The council report states: ‘Smoking is the main cause of preventable illness and premature death in England and in Hertfordshire, and has a greater impact on lower socio-economic groups, causing a widening gap in health inequalities between the better and the least well off, with some groups dying 16-20 years earlier than the general population.’

According to the Strategic Plan, the county council will also seek to prevent access to illegal and illicit tobacco in the county, by preventing sales to under-18s and identifying sources of illegal tobacco.

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