...habits in the under-5s is a challenge - weaning, childhood obesity, how to handle faddy eaters, ensuring adequate vitamin D intake and advice on supplementation are just some of the areas health visitors and other early-years practitioners have to tackle on a daily basis.

Guidance on best practice is often not readily available and heavy workloads, and the wide range of responsibilities which fall to health visitors and others working in the early-years, mean there is a need for trustworthy, evidence-based information on important topics in nutrition in these formative years.

... recognises the importance of on-going training and is committed to providing opportunities for continued professional development (CPD). You will find the Feeding for Life Foundation at key national meetings for healthcare professionals and others working with under-5s.

We will also be co-ordinating several regional events to share best practice surrounding nutrition in the early-years.

... is committed to supporting best practice and the development of evidence-based guidance through an initiative that provides grants for both research and grass roots schemes.

Every year the Foundation will provide funding for research into nutrition, diet and feeding for children aged six to 36 months. With a focus on issues such as weaning; development of taste and food preferences; dietary habits and nutritional status and dietary intake.