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Nutrition and Hydration Week: Celebrating Quality Food and Drink in Health and Social Care

Nutrition and Hydration Week 2025 will run from Monday, 17th March, to Sunday, 23rd March, spotlighting the critical role of proper nutrition and hydration in health and social care.

As the sector navigates challenging times, this annual initiative provides a platform to showcase the exceptional work being done to deliver quality food and drink to those in care.

The week serves as an opportunity to share ideas, innovations, and projects, enabling professionals to enhance their practices and inspire others in the sector. By exchanging initiatives, participants not only learn and develop tailored solutions but also gain insights from others’ successes, helping to further improve their own standards.

Throughout the year, Nutrition and Hydration Week continues to engage the sector with regular campaigns on social media, such as the popular Tip of the Week and the Thirsty Thursday campaign, which runs from late May to early July. In October, the Mealtimes Matter initiative provides daily tips on implementing protected mealtimes to ensure a focused and pleasant dining experience for those in care.

Events and Activities

The highlight of Nutrition and Hydration Week is the variety of events and activities designed to celebrate and promote best practices. These include:

  • Information stands to educate and raise awareness.
  • Launches of new food and drink initiatives within health and social care settings.
  • Daily themed food days, adding creativity and excitement to mealtimes.
  • Poster displays and themed drinks trolleys to engage residents and staff alike.
  • The signature event, the Global Afternoon Tea, held on Wednesday, 19th March. This iconic activity encourages health and social care professionals worldwide to come together and celebrate with the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea.

For those seeking inspiration, the Nutrition and Hydration Week website (https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk) offers a wealth of resources and ideas. Participants are also encouraged to follow the campaign on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, to stay updated on events and initiatives.

Beyond Health and Social Care

Nutrition and Hydration Week has grown beyond its original focus on health and social care. Many organisations now use it to promote staff well-being, recognising the importance of hydration and nutrition for their workforce. This is especially relevant for shift workers or those in remote roles, who may have limited access to food and drink during working hours.

Since its inception, the week has become a cornerstone event for food and drink providers in social care, offering a platform to highlight their commitment to improving nutrition and hydration for those they serve. This year promises another inspiring showcase of innovative practices and dedication to excellence in care.

As preparations for Nutrition and Hydration Week 2025 gather pace, the organisers invite everyone to get involved, celebrate, and make a difference. Whether you’re a health and social care professional, a food and drink provider, or a supporter of the sector, this week is your opportunity to shine and contribute to the well-being of those in care.