For the children under your care to grow and thrive, you must offer a wholesome daycare meal program. It guarantees that they get the nutrients they need for growth and fosters the lifelong development of wholesome eating habits. We'll look at the best ways to provide a healthy daycare meal program that satisfies government nutrition criteria and encourages kids to eat healthily in this guide.
1. U.S. Child Care Nutrition Standards:
The United States Department of Agriculture establishes nutrition guidelines for daycare facilities. Childcare and adult daycare facilities can get compensation from the USDA for providing wholesome meals and snacks under the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
For a meal to qualify for reimbursement, it must adhere to CACFP's nutritional criteria. Up to two reimbursable meals and one snack, or two snacks and one meal for each eligible kid, may be claimed daily by childcare centers.
By incorporating a variety of food groups and modifying serving sizes based on age, the CACFP provides guidelines to assist caregivers in making healthy decisions for children. Depending on the child's age group, a set portion amount for each food item must be served.
Children should eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks according to different rules:
- Breakfast should consist of small servings of grains, fruits, and vegetables together with fluid milk.
- Portions of fluid milk, meat or meat substitutes, grains, fruits, and vegetables should be served for lunch and dinner.
- Portions of at least two of the following should be included in a snack: meat or meat substitutes, cereals, fruits, and vegetables, as well as fluid milk
The program also specifies goals for lowering sugar intake and placing a focus on a diverse diet. For example, juice can only be used up to a certain amount for a fruit serving, while yogurt and cereals need to be minimal in sugar. veggies can be utilized to meet the required amount of fruit at lunch and dinner, but two distinct veggies must be offered, not just one large one.
Also read: 12 Types of Preschool Curriculum and Their Benefits?
7 Best Practices for Child Care Nutrition:
1. Serve a Variety of Foods:
Offer a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to ensure that children receive a diverse array of nutrients.
Choose whole fruits and vegetables over juices to provide more fiber and fewer added sugars.
2. Model Positive Eating Habits:
Create a family-style dining environment where staff eat the same healthy meals as the children.
Engage with children during meals, avoiding screens, to encourage healthy eating behaviors.
3. Teach Kids about Hunger Cues:
Encourage children to listen to their bodies and eat when they are hungry, stopping when they are full.
Avoid using food as a reward or forcing children to eat foods they do not like.
4. Avoid Serving Foods with Excess Sugar:
Limit foods and beverages with added sugars, such as sodas, sweetened beverages, and candies.
Choose water or white milk as healthier alternatives to sugary drinks.
5. Remember Food Safety:
Follow proper food safety measures, including washing hands, utensils, and surfaces before preparing meals.
Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Train and Educate Staff about Nutrition:
Provide staff with training on how to choose and prepare healthy meals.
Educate staff on reading nutrition labels and following the latest nutrition guidelines.
7. Support Breastfeeding:
Create a supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers, including providing a private area for nursing.
Encourage mothers to supply breast milk for their infants and support their feeding choices.
