This paper draws upon work conducted as part of a research project into food and nutrition in the early years, and looks very specifically at the way in which practitioners in the field are both aware of current debates around such issues and how they put good policy into their practice. In drawing out such debates with practitioners, it also offers a useful insight into the way in which research, policy and practice either come together within the sector or actually operate within different ambits. The findings show that there is a lack of knowledge amongst early years practitioners on food and nutrition issues, and that this can lead to less than effective practice in some instances.