Child Center Nutrition
Breakfast
A nutritious breakfast is provided at 8:15 and a snack at 2:45. These meals are prepared at PCC by Center staff. Toddlers may also have a mid-morning snack, as needed..
Lunch
Lunch is prepared by PCC’s cook with assistance from Western’s Food Service Staff and is served to the toddlers at 11:15 and to the preschoolers at 11:30.
Mealtime
Mealtime is designed to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience for the child. The teachers will eat with the children to guide and encourage appropriate conversation and eating behavior. The children will help with table setting, serving of food and clean-up. Family style service will be used to allow children to learn how to serve themselves. Toddlers will be encouraged to feed themselves while sitting at low tables or in chairs with trays.
Daily Menu
A daily menu will be posted outside each classroom. Menus, rotate on a specified schedule, and consist of milk, and varieties of meats, breads, fruits and vegetables. Menus will show diversity in the types of food served. Whole milk will be served to children under 2
Nutritional Standards
The food served in the Center meets nutritional standards established by federal regulations of the Child Care and Adult Care Food Program. Nutrition consultation is provided on an ongoing basis by a representative from the Department of Public Instruction which administers the USDA Food Program.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program is operated in accordance with USDA policy, which does not permit discrimination because of race, color, national, origin, sex, age, or disability. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA activity should write immediately to USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W Whitten Bldg., 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington DC 20250-9410.
Food Allergies
All food served in the Center will be provided by the Center. Children with food allergies or special diet requirements will need to have a statement indicating the needs signed by a doctor and/or parent. Parents will also be asked to sign a ‘Consent to Post’ form giving staff permission to post children’s allergy notices to alert all adults of the condition.
Hungry Child
Staff will supply food to a hungry child. Food will not be offered as a reward or denied as punishment.
Water
Drinking water will be available and offered frequently
Treats
Children may bring a food ‘treat’ for the Center in celebration of a birthday or special occasion. Food choices will be restricted to whole fruits or commercially prepared packaged foods in factory-sealed containers. Foods should be nutritious, and low in sugar. Candy will not be served. The treat will be served in addition to the meal requirements.
Formula and Bottles
Parents with young children requiring a bottle will provide the formula and bottles as necessary for the child and will label each with the child’s name and date. Bottles will not be heated in the microwave.
