Understanding why feeding development matters and why too many children are still being overlooked and unsupported.
Across schools, communities and public services, significant effort is invested in improving children’s access to food. These initiatives are important and necessary.
Yet for some children, particularly those with special educational needs, medical needs or developmental differences, access to food is not simply a question of availability. Challenges with eating, drinking and feeding development can create barriers to nutrition, learning, inclusion and everyday participation.
As a result, some children remain present but unable to fully benefit from the opportunities around them.
Because providing food is only part of the picture. We must also understand how children learn the skills that enable them to eat it.
Learning to eat is a developmental journey. Just as children develop skills for walking, talking, reading and writing, they also develop the skills needed to learn to eat. These skills influence how children explore food, take part in mealtimes, develop independence and build confidence around eating.
When feeding development follows a different path, children require understanding, adaptation and support in order to participate to their full potential.
This is the issue The F.E.D. Foundation exists to address.
When children are able to engage with food in ways that work for them, the benefits extend far beyond the table.
Developing feeding skills can help children build confidence, autonomy and independence throughout childhood and beyond.
Mealtimes, celebrations and food based activities play an important role in social participation, belonging and school life.
Children who can take part in food-related learning opportunities are better able to engage with educational experiences and build practical life skills.
Food participation supports children’s ability to access adequate nutrition and develop a lifelong healthy relationship with food.
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The Foundation regularly works alongside other charities and community organisations to ensure families can access relevant support and opportunities to get involved.
Examples include:
Positive About Down Syndrome (PADS)
The Foundation worked with PADS to develop a parent webinar exploring feeding development and eating challenges experienced by some children with Down syndrome.
Autism West Midlands
Through workshops and learning events, families have been able to explore topics relating to feeding differences, participation and neurodevelopment.
Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum
Partnership work with Worcestershire Parent Carer Forum has provided opportunities to hear family perspectives, support local engagement activities and strengthen conversations around feeding development, SEND and inclusion.
Interested in becoming a partner organisation?
