For people who are or at risk of becoming undernourished, and require support to prepare and consume food and drink. 

• To improve nutritional intake and hydration.
• To stop weight loss.
• To promote weight gain.

Eating difficulties may be related to co-morbidities, motor, cognitive and/or behavioural problems e.g. ASD, dementia, stroke, learning and communication difficulties, selective eating, food refusal and reliance on others for eating and drinking. 

Target group and their carers will know which foods to prepare and adapt, and how to include these to promote nutritional adequacy. 

Target group will know to include energy and protein rich foods.

Target group will understand that what they eat affects their health.

Target group will understand how to use and apply the ‘little and often’ messages by focussing on the importance of small, frequent meals and snacks, and simple ways to fortify food. 

C A Russell and M Elia 2014, Nutrition Screening Surveys in Hospitals in The UK, 2007-2011, A Report Based on the Amalgamated Data from the Four Nutrition Screening Week Surveys Undertaken by BAPEN in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011 BAPEN www.bapen.org.uk

M Elia and CR Russell (Eds) 2012 Combating Malnutrition: Recommendations for Action.  Output of a meeting of the Advisory Group on Malnutrition, BAPEN. 

Scottish Government 2013, The Keys to Life: Improving quality of life for people with learning disabilities, Produced for the Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland DPPAS14362

NHS Health Scotland 2004 Health Needs Assessment Report People with Learning Disabilities in Scotland,

Standards for Food, Fluid and Nutritional Care – October 2014, Healthcare Improvement Scotland 2014