Food and Nutrition

Positive early experiences with food enhance child development and promote lifelong healthy eating habits. Child Care providers play a key role in supporting and creating these experiences.

All food will be provided at no additional charge (excluding a special diet, formula, baby food). This includes Breakfast- 7:45am, morning snack-9:30am, lunch-11:30pm, and afternoon snack-2:45pm. Meals will follow the Canadian Food Guide. Breakfast and Lunch will consist of 3-4 food groups. On occasion I will provide special treats such as frozen yogurt, smoothies, home baked goods, etc.

Food does more than just satisfy hunger. It is the building material and energy provider for our bodies. Good nutrition is especially important for young bodies that are growing and developing. Variety is fundamental in nutrition since no food can supply all the necessary nutrients. Each day's meals and snacks will include selections from all four food groups to ensure the daily intake or required nutrients.

Snacks are an important part of a small child’s diet, because their stomachs are small and may not be able to hold enough food for a four- or five-hour interval. Snacks consist of 2 or more food groups including Milk or juice, cereal, yogurt, toast, fruit, crackers, vegetables and nutritious cookies. Water will always be available to the children throughout the day and be served with snacks and lunch. I will supply a labeled water bottle for each child.

At no time will food or drink be used as a form of reward or punishment for the children.

Parents are responsible for feeding their child before arrival at Child Care. Please do not send any food, drink, or candy with your child unless your child is on a special diet. If your child requires a special diet, You will need to provide snacks (2/day) and lunch (1/day). Snacks should include 2 or more food groups while lunch should include 3-4 food groups. Providing food, does not affect your tuition fee in any way.

Lunch menus for the week are in the sign in binder at the front door. Parents may look at full daily menus

at any time.

Sample menu

This is a sample menu and is subject to change due to likes and dislikes of the children in my care. I do encourage children to try food given to them however, I will never force a child to eat anything. Children will be responsible for how much they eat and weather to eat from what is offered. If children continually choose not to eat, parents will be required to supply a healthy lunch and/or snacks.