Nutrition Services
The quality of nutrition directly impacts the general well-being and health of each child. As part of the
total health services delivery system, each child receives a thorough nutrition assessment. Health care plans are developed for children found to be at risk and a follow-up assessment is completed prior to children leaving the program.
Meal service is an integral part of the nutrition services program. The program has central kitchens located at six sites that provide daily breakfast and lunch as well as morning and afternoon snacks for children enrolled in the program. Food transporters use “hot” trucks to transport food to locations without central kitchens. Meals are prepared in accordance with Child and Adult Food Care Program (CACFP) requirements and provide at least 1/3 of children’s daily nutritional requirements.
Meal times are considered part of the total learning environment and children assist in setting the table, cleaning-up, and oftentimes participating in nutritional activities in the classroom.
A variety of nutrition education and training opportunities are provided to staff and parents in order to familiarize them with the effects of nutrition on children’s development, sound eating techniques, and available community resources.
