Food and Health in Early Childhood: A Holistic Approach

′I believe that [this book] could be of value to practitioners working with birth-five year olds, heads or managers of nurseries, health professionals or students who wish to gain an overview of this subject….I enjoyed reading this book and it literally gave me much food for thought′ - Early Years

′This book is a welcome addition and the contributors should be congratulated on the scope and depth they manage to achieve...this book is an interesting read, dealing with a topical, yet complex issue′ - Journal of Early Childhood Research

′Food plays a huge part in our lives, and this book looks holistically at its influence, including our emotional as well as physical wellbeing. It provides useful facts on diet and healthy eating guidelines for children under five, school age children, adults and pregnant mothers...There is advice on promoting positive attitudes towards food in an early years setting, along with practical advice and case studies to help practitioners promote heatlhy eating in their settings′ - Early Years Update

′This highly readable, thoroughly researched book explores food and eating in an historical, cultural and psychological context and, as public concern about children′s nutrition rises, its publication is timely. Food and Health in Early Childhood is a comprehensive, clearly written text enriched with case studies and pertinent reflective activities to consolidate learning′ - Angela Underdown, Associate Professor, Early Childhood Studies, University of Warwick

The media interest surrounding children, food and nutrition continues to influence policy and practice in early years settings, and food and eating is of fundamental importance to early childhood practice. Not only does food contribute to health, in terms of nutrition it′s also a vital part of a child′s emotional and socio-cultural experience that is linked to their growing sense of well-being and identity.

This book gives you a comprehensive overview of food and eating in the early years, covering the following:

- nutrition

- policy development

- health inequalities

- food, culture and identity

- food and emotion

- healthy eating guidelines

- promoting healthy eating in the early years

- multi-disciplinary working in relation to young children′s nutrition

Each chapter includes case studies, links to useful websites, activities and suggestions for further reading. An interactive approach from the reader is encouraged throughout the book.

Aimed at all early years practitioners, it will be of particular interest to those studying for Early Childhood Studies′ degrees and those studying for EYPS. Other professionals and students with an interest in this area (teachers, health visitors, dieticians) will also find it useful.

Deborah Albon was a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Roehampton until her recent retirement when she became Honorary Fellow. Before this, she worked with Penny Mukherji at London Metropolitan University for many years. Deb has considerable experience teaching research methods to both undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as supporting them with their dissertations. Deborah’s research interests are primarily focused around food and drink provisioning and play in early childhood settings. Deborah is widely published in this area and has recently co-edited an early childhood related Special Issue of the journal Ethnography and Education.

Penny Mukherji has been involved in educating students in the field of early childhood for 30 years and during this time has developed a deep understanding of how to support students on their learning journeys. Before her retirement Penny was a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at London Metropolitan University, where an important part of her teaching involved supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate students completing their research projects. Penny continues to be actively involved in the university, both as a tutor for students who are distance learners and as a supervisor for students completing their dissertations. With a background in health and psychology, Penny is an established author, with a special interest in the health and well-being of young children.