Healthy Eating for Families

Understand the importance of a balanced diet.

Additional details

The main food groups that learners may consider are:

• fruit and vegetables
• bread, other cereals and potatoes
• milk and other dairy products
• fatty and sugary foods
• meat, fish, eggs and alternatives

Tutors may also want to include water although it is not always thought to be a food group.

The 'eat-well' plate is a good example of a balanced diet as it shows food groups and proportions.

A balanced diet can:

• provide the body with the nutrients it needs to grow and develop
• provides energy
• improves concentration
• protects against long term illness
• protects against infection

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  List the main food groups.
• 1.2
  State what is meant by a balanced diet.
• 1.3
  State the effects of a balanced diet on health.

Know about good eating habits for families.

Additional details

Families mealtimes gives an opportunity to:

• talk with different members of the family
• learn social skills
• learn how to behave during mealtime

There are a range of ways to encourage children to eat in a healthy way. These are some examples, however learners should be encouraged to add others.

• Grow own fruit and vegetables
• Take part in planning and cooking process
• Go shopping and choose foods they like
• Raise awareness of what packaged food contains

Learners need to identify a health meal for children. They should select an appropriate age and choose appropriate foods and drink.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Outline the importance of family mealtimes.
• 2.2
  Describe ways to encourage children to eat heathily.
• 2.3
  Identify a healthy meal for children.

Know special food requirements for groups and individuals.

Additional details

Learners can research the food restrictions of different religions. They also need to consider special dietary requirements and potential food allergies.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Identify food restrictions for religious groups.
• 3.2
  Outline special dietary requirements.
• 3.3
  Identify food allergies.

Know how to handle and store food safely.

Additional details

Handling and storing food safely is important for any carer. Learners are not expected to have an in-depth knowledge as they will gain this in higher level qualifications. 

The main reason for hand washing before food preparation is to prevent the spread of infection. Learners may identify other reasons.

Hazards of poor food storage and preparation may include:

• using out-of-date food
• illness including vomiting, food poisoning
• cross contamination of food

Measures to prevent cross contamination may include:

• keeping the fridge and freezer at recommended temperatures
• wrapping or covering raw and uncooked food 
• putting raw and cooked meat in recommended sections of the fridge
• avoiding overloading the fridge or freezer as it changes the temperature.

There are other measures that can be taken that are equally valid. 

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1
  Give reasons for hand washing before food preparation.
• 4.2
  State hazards of poor food storage and preparation.
• 4.3
  Identify ways to prevent cross contamination of food.