Essential Components of a Daycare Menu
Children should be provided with a high-quality, diverse and healthy diet. It is important to provide a generally healthy and appealing menu with lots of variety. The following is a list of suggestions to increase the nutritional quality of a daycare menu:
1. Children in early childhood (2-5 years old) have high need for calories for energy and growth. They can get the wholesome, high energy foods from following Canada’s Food Guide. Nutritious food that contains fat such as milk, peanut butter, yogourt, eggs and cheese are good options.
2. Each meal should provide a minimum of 3 of the 4 food groups from the Food Guide; while, each snack should provide a minimum of 2 of the food groups. It is also important that each snack and meal provide a source of protein from either the Meat and Alternatives or the Milk and Alternatives group.
3. Water is great to serve to children; it teaches kids to satisfy cravings with water! Keep in mind it is not a source of vitamins, minerals, protein or energy. So plan kids meals accordingly. Water should be available to children to drink throughout the day. It is also a good idea to have water in a high traffic area, at eye level for the children to see and drink as they are thirsty.
4. According to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide children are to consume a minimum of one 75g serving of Meat and Alternatives per day. Since young children have smaller appetites, they can separate the serving into two smaller servings. The children should be consuming at least half of their Meat and Alternatives for the day at the daycare. In meals where there are no Meat and Alternatives servings, there should be a protein source. For example, cheese can be shredded on top of a soup, salad or casserole.
5. It is a great idea to serve children milk with many of the meals and snacks. Children require two servings per day if they are 2-8 years. Try having milk or milk alternative with every meal or snack. Children require milk for their growing needs; frequent milk consumption also provides a source of protein.
6. Consider having veggie plates and fruit trays available frequently. Vegetables and fruit provide fibre, folate, vitamin B6, C, A, as well as potassium and magnesium. This helps children gain an appreciation for veggies and fruit, by introducing bright colours and user friendly shapes. Make sure to serve light, not overly salty or sweet dips and yogurts. The goal is to have children appreciate, the natural texture and flavour of healthy foods.
Tips for Picky Eaters
- Explain the benefits of healthy foods.
- Allow kids a variety of foods to choose from giving them some control over their food choices.
- Set a good example yourself by eating a wide variety of foods.
- Praise children for trying a new food. Even if they don’t like it, encourage them to explain why. Use the motto: “taste before you judge”.
- If a new food is initially rejected, leave it for a while and re-introduce it a week or so later. Children will eventually like healthy foods if they are continually exposed to them.
Healthy eating for Kids, Anita Bean 2004
