Highly mobile and often unpredictable, it is little wonder that two-year-olds are sometimes viewed as labour-intensive and challenging - and never more so than at mealtimes, when their growing independence and food 'faddyness' can coincide. Nonetheless, settings should consider offering lunchtime as part of their offer to funded two-year-olds, as the benefits to the child may extend far beyond the nutritional.
For two-year-olds who may not eat well at home, nutritious and balanced lunches at nursery could help to boost their health and well-being and provide a route into educating their parents about the importance of healthy eating.
As World Health Organisation's Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases Report (2003) reminds us, 'A healthy diet and regular physical activity are ... fundamental determinants of general health and well-being.' And, it notes, 'Evidence suggests that interventions to promote the initiation and duration of breastfeeding and good nutrition in Early Years will reduce later obesity and associated chronic diseases.'
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